Oesophageal cancer is currently the eighth most common malignancy worldwide. The incidence varies enormously between geographic areas, with increased incidences (>100/100,000) in Asia, and central and south Africa. The incidence of oesophageal cancer in Spain has been approximately 8/100,000 among men and 1/100,000 among women. Oesophageal cancers are histologically classifi ed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma, both with different associated risk factors. While SCCs have become increasingly less common, the incidence of adenocarcinoma has risen steeply. In the SEOM Clinical Guidelines for Oesophageal Cancer we propose rules for adequate initial diagnosis and staging as well as treatment recommendations from early to advanced disease.