As broke by LALATE last night, actor Ron Silver is dead from esophageal cancer. What is esophageal cancer? Silver suffered from esophageal cancer for several years before passing this weekend at age 62.

Silver had suffered a two year battle with cancer. Robin Bronk, executive director of the Coalition, told press:

“Ron Silver died peacefully in his sleep with his family around him this morning. He had been fighting esophageal cancer for two years and his family is making arrangements for a private service.”

Online medical reports define esophageal cancer as follows:

Esophageal cancer is a serious form of cancer that starts in the inner layer of your esophagus, the 10-inch long tube that connects your throat and stomach. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer, usually occurring late in the disease, is difficulty swallowing and a sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest.In the past, the outlook for people with esophageal cancer was poor. But survival rates have improved, in part because close monitoring of Barrett’s esophagus — a serious, premalignant complication of acid reflux disease — can help detect cancer early, when it’s more likely to respond to treatment.

In addition, diet and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances of ever developing esophageal cancer.

Ron Silver will be missed.