Understanding Your Type of Esophageal Cancer

Your doctor will give you tests to help to find out exactly where the cancer is and what kind of cancer it is. Esophageal cancer starts in the cells of the inner lining. There are 2 main types of esophageal cancer, which are named for the type of cells that become cancerous.

• Adenocarcinoma. Cancer forms in the fluid-producing glandular cells. These cells are found in the lower part of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach. This type of cancer doesn’t start unless cells have been changed by acid reflux. It is the most common type of esophageal cancer.

• Squamous cell or epidermoid carcinoma. Cancer forms in the thin, flat cells that line the esophagus. These cells are found throughout the esophagus, so this type of cancer can occur anywhere along it. About half of the people with esophageal cancer have this type.