Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Esophageal cancer classification
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Esophageal cancer may be classified into squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma based on histology.
Classification
Classification
Esophageal cancers are typically carcinomas, which arise from the epithelium, or surface lining of the esophagus. Most esophageal cancers fall into one of two classes according to their histology. [1]
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma are similar to head and neck cancer in their appearance and are associated with smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Adenocarcinoma
- Esophageal adenocarcinomas make up more than 70% of esophageal cancers.
- They are often associated with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus.
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References
References
- ↑ Buas MF, Vaughan TL (2013). “Epidemiology and risk factors for gastroesophageal junction tumors: understanding the rising incidence of this disease”. Semin Radiat Oncol. 23 (1): 3–9. doi:10.1016/j.semradonc.2012.09.008. PMC 3535292. PMID 23207041.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]