Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that high NFIA expression (HR = 3.450, 95% CI = 1.908–6.240, P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (HR = 2.636, 95% CI = 1.565–4.439, P < 0.001), and T‐stage (HR = 2.272, 95% CI = 1.224–4.217, P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for OS in ESCC (Table 3). The gene discussed is NFIA; the disease is metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.