Malignant tumors of the esophagus are most commonly caused by squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The first type is prevalent among people who have suffered chemical burns in the esophagus or have a habit of consuming very hot drinks. The second type is more often linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid irritates the walls of the esophagus, leading to precancerous changes known as Barrett’s esophagus.
Certain benign conditions, such as achalasia, can also contribute to the development of cancer, as they disrupt normal esophageal function and cause it to dilate.