Esophageal cancer Common Types
It is crucial to identify the type of cancer that is present in order to determine its type. This information allows the doctor to decide on the best treatment.
There are two main types of esophageal carcinoma, and they are:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Squamous cells are usually found in the innermost layer (mucosa) of the esophagus. Squamous-cell carcinoma is cancer that begins in these cells. Squamous Cell Carcinoma begins in cells lining the esophageal area. This cancer type shares some similarities with other cancers such as skin, lung and head and neck cancer. Esophageal cancer is second most common in the United Kingdom. Smoking and drinking alcohol are associated with esophageal cancer. This cancer type usually affects the upper and middle part, but it can happen anywhere in the esophageal area.
It is also called epidermoid cancer. This type of cancer most commonly occurs in the cervical esophagus and the upper two thirds of the chest cavity (upper and middle part of the thorax). In the United States, squamous-cell carcinoma was the most common type of esophageal tumor. This has changed with time and the percentage of this cancer type is now 30% in this country.
- Adenocarcinoma:
This can develop in the tissues that produce the mucus used in swallowing. Similar to cancers in the stomach or colorectal region. This is the most common type of cancer in the United Kingdom. This type of cancer is more common among males. It’s also associated with obesity and a history of acid reflux.
The lower part of the esophagus is usually affected, close to the stomach. The glandular cells of the esophageal wall produce and release mucus. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that begin in glandular cell. Adenocarcinomas often occur in the lower third of the esophageal area (lower thoracic region). Adenocarcinoma can develop in certain conditions such as Barrett’s Esophagus. Glands replace the squamous cell layer at the lower part of the esophagus.
- Gastroesophageal (GE) junction tumors:
Adenocarcinomas that form in the area where the esophagus meets the stomach (the GE Junction, which includes approximately 5 cm of stomach) behave as cancers and are treated the same way.
In the US, squamous-cell carcinoma rates are decreasing while adenocarcinoma is increasing.
- Rare forms of oesophageal carcinoma:
The treatment for rare forms of oesophageal carcinoma depends on the type of cells that cancer begins in.
Melanoma:
Skin cancer is melanoma. It is rare for it to start in the esophagus.
Lymphoma:
The cancer of the lymphatics is called Lymphoma. The treatment is different from that of other cancers in the esophagus.
Sarcoma:
Cancer of supporting cells in the body such as bone or muscle is soft tissue sarcoma. A sarcoma called a GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumour) can develop in the esophagus.
