Esophageal cancer is a rare malignancy that affects the esophageal epithelium. It is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a tendency for rapid metastasis. The main causes include chronic exposure to irritants leading to metaplasia, dysplasia, and malignant transformation. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption (especially when combined with smoking), and conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, reflux esophagitis, and Barrett esophagus.