Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of certain types of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer can occur in the larynx, or voice box. It can also occur in the oropharynx, which is the part of the throat at the back of the mouth.

Recently the Institute of Medicine evaluated the evidence suggesting that asbestos exposure causes cancers of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and other organs. The committee concluded that the evidence is:

• Sufficient to suggest that asbestos exposure is a cause of laryngeal cancer
• Suggestive but not sufficient to assume asbestos exposure is a cause of pharyngeal cancer

Esophageal cancer is divided into two types:

• Squamous cell carcinomas-occur in the cells that line the esophagus
• Adenocarcinomas-occur in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus

This type of cancer can spread to almost any other part of the body.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer can include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, pain in the throat, hoarseness, and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you have any of these risk factors, including exposure to asbestos, you may want to visit the Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support Center.