DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus No cancer of the cardia Stage T1, T2, T3, or T4 No tumor greater than 7 cm No tumor with diameter greater than 3 cm No involved nodes located more than 3 cm from tumor Supraclavicular nodal involvement eligible with cervical esophageal tumor No metastasis Patient ineligible for surgery because of one of the following: Condition that contraindicates surgery Refusal of surgery