Esophageal cancer Common Types
To know which type of esophageal cancer is present, it is important to know the type of cell that it starts in. This information helps the doctor decide which treatment is needed. (1)
The types of esophageal cancer are mainly divided into two, which are as follows:
- Squamous cell carcinoma:
The layer of the esophagus which is innermost (the mucosa) normally has a lining of squamous cells. Cancer that starts in these cells is known as squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cell carcinoma begins in the cells that line the esophageal region. This type of cancer has some similarities with skin, lung, head, and neck cancer. In the United Kingdom, esophageal cancer is the second most common type. It has an association with smoking and alcohol intake. This type of cancer usually shows its effects in the upper and middle part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the esophageal region.
This is also known as epidermoid carcinoma. However, the most common site of this type of cancer is the region of the neck (cervical esophagus) and in the upper two-thirds portion of the cavity of the chest (upper and middle esophagus of the thorax). Squamous cell carcinoma used to be the most common esophageal cancer type in the United States. However, this has changed over time, and now the percentage of this type of cancer is 30% in this country.
- Adenocarcinoma:
It can be developed in the tissue that is used to produce mucus that helps in the swallowing process. It is similar to the cancers of the stomach and the colorectal area. This type of cancer is the most common in the United Kingdom. It is estimated to be more common in males than in females and it is associated with being overweight and having a long history of past illness with acid reflux.
It is generally present in the lower region of the esophagus, near the stomach region. Glandular cells in the esophageal lining produce and release fluids such as mucus. Cancers that start in glandular cells are known as adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are often present in the lower one-third of the esophageal region (lower thoracic esophagus). In some conditions, such as Barrett’s esophagus, glandular cells start replacing the squamous cells in the lower portion of the esophagus, and this may lead to adenocarcinoma.
- Gastroesophageal (GE) junction tumors:
Adenocarcinomas which form at the region where the esophagus connects to the stomach (the GE junction, which includes about 5 cm of the stomach), behave like cancers in the esophagus, and are also treated like them.
The squamous cell carcinoma rates in the US have been decreasing, while adenocarcinoma rates have been increasing.
- Rare types of oesophageal cancer:
Treatment for rare types of oesophageal cancer differs and is dependent upon the type of cell cancer starts in.
Melanoma:
Melanoma is said to be a type of skin cancer. It can rarely start in the esophagus.
Lymphoma:
Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system. Its treatment differs from other cancers of the esophagus.
Sarcoma:
Soft tissue sarcoma is the cancer of the supporting cells of the body, such as muscle or bone. Rarely, a sarcoma known as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) may develop in the esophagus.