Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, each associated with different risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, chronic acid reflux, obesity, and Barrett’s esophagus. Early stages may cause few or no symptoms, but as the cancer progresses, individuals often experience difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, unintended weight loss, persistent cough, or hoarseness. Because symptoms typically appear later in the disease, esophageal cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Treatment options depend on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches.