There are two types of esophageal cancer, based on the types of cells where the cancer begins: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the more common type in the United States whereas globally, squamous cell carcinoma is more common.
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Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma starts in the glandular epithelial cells, usually near the bottom of the esophagus, where the esophagus meets the stomach. Often these tumors arise in people with Barrett’s esophagus.
As the rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity have risen in the U.S., so has the rate of adenocarcinoma.
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma starts in squamous cells anywhere in the esophagus, most often in the upper and middle esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma can also be called epidermoid carcinoma.
As the use of cigarettes and tobacco has dropped, the rate of squamous cell cancer has dropped as well. If you are looking for information on squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, view our skin cancer section.