Anatomy of the Esophagus - Why it is Important for Esophageal Cancer

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Most patients have an easier time understanding esophageal cancer treatment and side effects when they understand anatomy.

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Read the full video transcript below:

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It's usually much easier for patients to understand esophageal cancer treatment side effects once they understand esophageal anatomy. 

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When you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus and settles in the stomach. 

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The esophagus is a tube-like organ at the top. It starts just below your throat and goes all the way down to the stomach. 

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The stomach sits just below the esophagus in the upper part of the belly. Most of the esophagus sits just between the two lungs in the chest. This is important because patients who undergo surgery for esophageal cancer have to have healthy lungs. 

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The heart sits just in front of the esophagus. And again, patients who undergo surgery for esophageal cancer have to have good heart function. 

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The esophagus has three portions: the upper, middle, and lower. 

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This is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions. 

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