The vast majority of malignant esophageal tumors are either squamous cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas arising in Barrett's mucosa. This article reviews the spectrum of findings associated with these tumors on barium studies. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of double-contrast esophagography in detecting early cancers, because these lesions have the best possibility for cure. Other less common malignant tumors, such as spindle cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and malignant melanoma, are also reviewed.