Preface on Esophagus Cancer

Globally, esophageal cancer (including tumors of the gastroesophageal junction) is one of the most common cancers and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. While it is relatively uncommon in the United States and Western Europe, it is endemic in East Asia and parts of the developing world. The most common histology worldwide is squamous cell carcinoma, which predominates in countries where this cancer is common, while adenocarcinomas are the more common histology in the West. Irrespective of the histology or where it occurs, esophageal cancer is a virulent disease.