From the Guidelines
The most common type of esophageal cancer regarding histological type is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), accounting for approximately 90% of all esophageal cancers worldwide. This cancer develops from the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line the surface of the esophagus. While in Western countries, esophageal adenocarcinoma has been increasing in prevalence and may be more common in some regions, globally ESCC remains the predominant form 1. The development of ESCC is strongly associated with risk factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of very hot beverages, and poor dietary habits.
Some key points to consider:
- Geographically, ESCC shows higher prevalence in parts of Asia, Africa, and the "esophageal cancer belt" stretching from northern Iran through central Asia to northern China 1.
- The disease typically develops in the middle and lower thirds of the esophagus and often presents at an advanced stage due to the esophagus's ability to accommodate growing tumors before symptoms like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) become apparent.
- Recent data indicate an increased incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) in patients aged <50 years, with young patients tend to be diagnosed in more advanced stages 1.
- The incidence of AC is rising and has surpassed the incidence rate of SCC in several high-income countries, partly due to the increasing prevalence of excess body weight and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and possibly because of decreasing incidence of chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection 1.
From the Research
Histological Types of Esophageal Cancer
- The two main histological subtypes of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- According to various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type of esophageal cancer worldwide.
Geographical Distribution
- The distribution of histological types varies geographically, with adenocarcinoma being more common in Western countries 2, 3, 5.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in developing countries and has the highest incidence in eastern Africa and eastern Asia 4, 5.
Global Incidence
- Globally, squamous cell carcinoma remains the most common histological type of esophageal cancer 2, 4.
- The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased in developed nations due to the rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity 2, 4.