Esophageal Cancer - Types
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Types of Esophageal Cancer
There are two main types of esophageal cancer. Both types are diagnosed, treated, and managed in similar ways.
The two most common types are named for how the cancer cells look under a microscope. Both types begin in cells in the inner lining of the esophagus:
- Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus: This type is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. In the United States, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer. It's been increasing since the 1970s.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: This type is usually found in the upper part of the esophagus. This type is becoming less common among Americans. Around the world, however, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type.
See what others are saying
My son was a healthy 31-year-old, and then he started to lose weight in April of 2011. He wasn't sick – just had a little pressure when he chewed sometimes. I took him to the hospital and they diagnosed him with esophageal cancer. Doctor said he had Barrett's, and it was hereditary. The doctor said it had spread to the stomach, pancreas, and liver. They wanted to try chemo to slow it down. He didn't try it because he'd already lost too much weight. He died on October 8, 2011. They found out later that two of my brothers have it and they take prescription antacid. It's so sad that it was too late for my son to take it.
I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July of 2012 after not being able to eat much. I lost lots of weight and had a gastroscopy, which indicated I have carcinoma of the esophagus. From there, I had a CT scan and then a PET scan. I saw a surgeon, who told me it was also in my stomach and she couldn't operate, as it was too close. I had laparoscopic surgery and had a j-tube inserted so that I could have food. I also had nine weeks of chemotherapy. I went back to the surgeon, and she said the cancer had not shrunk. I had another PET scan and saw a radiation oncologist, who decided I would have five weeks of radiation and two weeks of double chemotherapy. I had another CT scan and again was told it hadn't shrunk. However, a couple of weeks later, I was able to start eating normally and now I no longer have tube feedings. I go back to the doctor next week for another CT scan – we'll see what he says.
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