The short answer
The two main types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the flat cells lining the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, which starts in gland cells usually in the lower esophagus. They have different risk factors but similar symptoms.
The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the flat cells lining the esophagus.
Adenocarcinoma starts in gland cells, usually in the lower esophagus near the stomach.
Adenocarcinoma is linked to chronic acid reflux and Barrett's esophagus.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Esophageal cancer is not a single disease. It has two main types, named for the kind of cell where the cancer begins. Knowing which type you have helps guide treatment and explains the risk factors involved.
The two main types
The two main types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma — starts in the flat cells lining the esophagus, more often in the upper and middle parts
- Adenocarcinoma — starts in gland cells, usually in the lower esophagus near the stomach
Adenocarcinoma and reflux
Adenocarcinoma is often linked to long-term acid reflux and a condition called Barrett's esophagus, in which the lower esophagus lining changes. People with Barrett's esophagus may be monitored because it raises the risk of adenocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma is linked to chronic acid reflux and Barrett's esophagus.
Why the type matters
Both types often cause similar symptoms, such as trouble swallowing, but they have different risk factors and can be treated somewhat differently. Your care team will confirm the type through a biopsy and use it to help plan treatment.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What are the two main types?
The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. They are named for the kind of cell where the cancer begins.
▸What is squamous cell carcinoma?
It begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line the esophagus. It can occur anywhere along the esophagus but is more common in the upper and middle parts.
▸What is adenocarcinoma?
It begins in gland cells, usually in the lower part of the esophagus near the stomach. It is often linked to long-term acid reflux and a condition called Barrett's esophagus.
▸What is Barrett's esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus is a change in the lining of the lower esophagus caused by long-term acid reflux. It raises the risk of adenocarcinoma, so people with it may be monitored.
▸Why does the type matter?
The type helps guide treatment decisions and understanding of risk factors, even though both types often cause similar symptoms like trouble swallowing.
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