If esophageal cancer spreads
Cancer cells can spread from the esophagus to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If esophageal cancer spreads, it can spread to the following:
- lymph nodes around the esophagus
- lymph nodes in the neck or upper chest
- lymph nodes in the lower chest or around the stomach
- lymph nodes in the abdomen
- windpipe (trachea)
- vocal cords
- main artery leading from the heart (aorta)
pericardium - stomach
- liver
adrenal glands - lung
- bone
- brain