This volume presents an overview of the current state of knowledge in the diagnosis, classification, surgical and multimodality therapy of malignant esophageal tumors. This includes squamous cell carcinoma as well as adenocarcinoma and in particular Barret's syndrome. The chapters focus on new diagnostic procedures such as laser fluorescence spectroscopy, chromoscopy and magnification endoscopy. These procedures not only help to optimize tumor staging but also form a basis for making noninvasive surgical and interventional methods safer and more effective. Since the results of treatment of malignant esophageal tumors are often still unsatisfactory, development of combined therapies directed at improving the prognosis become just as significant as new operation techniques. This volume, characterized by its multidisciplinarity and variety of approaches to the topic, shows how the prevailing limitations in the management of this tumor entity can be overcome in the future.