Esophageal Cancer

San Diego’s leader in esophageal cancer treatment

A smiling mature couple represents the full life that can be led after esophageal cancer treatment.

San Diego’s leader in esophageal cancer treatment

At Scripps Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary teams partner with our patients to treat esophageal cancer using the most advanced medical treatments and technology. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Green Hospital among the best in the nation for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery.


Esophageal cancer often requires highly specialized treatment that may include a combination of complex surgery, targeted radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Scripps has continually been at the forefront of innovative surgical procedures and the latest radiation therapy techniques. Our collaborative, patient-centered approach puts you at the center of one of the best cancer care programs in the country.

About esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a type of digestive cancer that starts in the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that moves food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. The wall of the esophagus is made up of layers of tissue. Esophageal cancer develops when the cells in the inside layer grow out of control. As the disease advances, cancer cells can grow through the other layers and outside of the esophagus, where they can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.


In the United States, esophageal cancer makes up about 1% of all diagnosed cancers. Men are four times more likely to develop cancer of the esophagus than women. A man’s risk of esophageal cancer is about 1 in 125, while a woman’s risk is about 1 in 454.

Esophageal cancer symptoms, diagnosis and staging

Scripps cancer specialists are experts in diagnosing and staging cancer to develop the best course of treatment. Treatment also depends on whether a patient has other medical conditions, age and overall health. Learn more on symptoms, imaging and diagnostic testing, and the stages of esophageal cancer below. 

Treatment and clinical trials

Scripps expert cancer care teams treat our esophageal cancer patients with the most advanced treatments and technologies, including minimally invasive surgery and targeted radiation therapies.

Esophageal cancer treatment locations

Scripps diagnoses and treats esophageal cancer at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of cancer care centers includes:


  • Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Specialty cancer treatment centers


Learn more about our gamut of cancer care locations in Southern California and the services offered at each. 

Support groups, services and resources

As leaders in esophageal cancer care, we know what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, Scripps offers a comprehensive lineup to help you along every step of your cancer journey.