John Stoddard Cancer Center

1221 Pleasant Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

p: 515-241-4141

p: 800-246-8347

Types

There are two main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. At one time, squamous cell carcinoma was by far more common, responsible for nearly 90 percent of all esophageal cancers. However, recent studies indicate that squamous cell cancers make up less than half of esophageal cancers today.

The other common type of esophageal cancer, adenocarcinoma, starts in glandular tissue, usually in the lower esophagus, near the stomach. Although at one time it was rare, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has become the most common type in Caucasian men.