AbstractThe immune system works to destroy cancer and viruses throughout our lives. When the immune system is weak or exposed to toxins or radiation, cancer cells develop faster than healthy cells can destroy them. Cancer is the result of a mutation of genes that interferes with the survival, growth and division of cellular proteins in healthy cells. This article will demonstrate the homeostasis effects that cancer has on the esophagus and its progression, as well as possible causes, treatments, and risk factors. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay The esophagus is part of the upper gastrointestinal system made up of several layers; the flat inner lining that contains squamous cells, the submucosal layer that is glandular and produces mucus to keep the esophagus moist, and the esophagus muscle that contracts to push food down into the stomach. When normal cells in our bodies don't divide properly, they can mutate and develop abnormal cell growth, which overcrowds normal cells and turns into cancer. Cancer can occur anywhere in the body and spread from the original growth called metastasis. Esophageal cancer occurs with chronic irritation of the inner lining and spreads outward through the surrounding tissue layers as it grows and transforms cells and changes DNA. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages because it can resemble normal, everyday digestive problems, such as heartburn, acid indigestion, reflux, and abdominal pain. Other possible symptoms are; painful swallowing or choking, weight loss, vomiting, hoarseness and coughing, pain behind the breastbone, and fatigue. If the cancerous tumor is large enough to cause painful swallowing of food and not travel down the esophagus, inserting a feeding tube is the best option to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to get through the process. treatment and recovery. There are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus. Researchers believe that tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol intake contribute to the irritation of the mucous tissue that forms this type of cancer. This type of cancer is found in the layer of tissue that forms the surface of the skin and the respiratory and digestive tract organs. A malignant cancer forms in the thin, flat cells that line the upper and middle parts of the esophagus. “Carcinoma develops from squamous epithelium with cuboid cells characterized by keratinization, which is initially localized and subsequently metastasizes to other organs or parts of the body via lymphatic vessels or blood flow” (Jobe, Thomas, Hunter & Ebrary 2009) The Adenocarcinoma cancer is more common in the United States than in other countries due to obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This cancer begins in the mucus-secreting glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus and typically begins in the lower part of the esophagus near the stomach where stomach contents back up into the esophagus and irritate the lining. Over time, the homeostasis of GERD can transform into Barrett's esophagus due to the acid in the stomach weakening the sphincter of the esophagus, and the acid flows back into the esophagus and damages the lining. The cells change and replace normal cells with abnormal cells (adenomatous gland-like cells) leading to adenocarcinoma (Torpy & Burke 2010). There are four stages to classify esophageal cancer: Stage I: The cancer is small and located in the lining,.