SQUAMOUS CELL
CARCINOMA OF ESOPHAGUS
Whereas squamous cell carcinoma was the primary esophageal malignancy for centuries in Western countries, it has become relatively uncommon when compared with adenocarcinoma in the Western world. This is likely due not only to increasing risk factors for adenocarcinoma (e.g., obesity) but to a decrease in risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma (e.g., smoking and heavy alcohol use).
Nevertheless, worldwide it is still the most common type of
esophageal cancer, particularly in China and Africa. In addition to smoking and
alcohol, other risk factors such as infection with human papillomavirus
or EpsteinBarr virus and other environmental and dietary exposures have been
proposed. Additionally, a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and
neck increases the chances of subsequent esophageal cancer. Unlike
adenocarcinoma, there is no clear underlying condition that allows targeting of
specific populations for screening and surveillance other than certain
geographic locations and lifestyle factors as discussed. It is more common in
men than women. The most common presenting symptoms are dysphagia and
weight loss. Endoscopy is the most reliable means of diagnosis; a mass lesion
is most commonly found in the proximal esophagus. Given the proximal location
of squamous cell esophageal cancer, catastrophic complications, including
fistulae to the respiratory tract or aorta, may develop. Staging is defined in
a manner similar to that for adenocarcinoma, but treatment involves less
surgery given the complexities of esophageal resection when the tumor is high
in the proximal esophagus adjacent to respiratory structures.
