Esophageal cancer is the seventh most common malignancy globally, with over 470,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It primarily manifests in two histological subtypes: esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Despite advancements, outcomes remain poor due to late-stage diagnosis. Early detection strategies for precursor lesions like squamous dysplasia and Barrett’s esophagus show promise. The introduction of biologic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors has improved systemic treatment for locally advanced and metastatic esophageal cancer. Minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic techniques, along with precision radiotherapy, further enhance patient prognosis. This review summarizes recent advances in diagnosis and management, highlighting improvements in understanding the biology of esophageal cancer.Esophageal cancer is the seventh most common malignancy globally, with over 470,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It primarily manifests in two histological subtypes: esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Despite advancements, outcomes remain poor due to late-stage diagnosis. Early detection strategies for precursor lesions like squamous dysplasia and Barrett’s esophagus show promise. The introduction of biologic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors has improved systemic treatment for locally advanced and metastatic esophageal cancer. Minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic techniques, along with precision radiotherapy, further enhance patient prognosis. This review summarizes recent advances in diagnosis and management, highlighting improvements in understanding the biology of esophageal cancer.