Epidemiological features of esophageal cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma versus adenocarcinoma

Abstract

PURPOSE:To analyze the epidemiological features of patients with esophageal cancer according to the histopathological types: squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. METHODS:A total of 100 patients with esophageal cancer, being 50 squamous cell carcinomas and 50 adenocarcinomas were analyzed for demographics, nutritional factors, lifestyle habits, benign pathological conditions associated, like Barrett's esophagus and megaesophagus, tumor stage and survival rates. The nutritional factors evaluated included body mass index, percent weight loss, hemoglobin and albumin serum levels. RESULTS:Esophageal cancer occurred more often in men over 50 years-old in both histological groups. No significant differences on age and gender were found between the histological groups. Squamous cell carcinoma was significantly more frequent in blacks than adenocarcinoma. Alcohol consumption and smoking were significantly associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Higher values of body mass index were seen in patients with adenocarcinoma. Barrett's esophagus was found in nine patients (18%) with adenocarcinoma, and megaesophagus in two patients (4%) with squamous cell carcinoma. The majority of patients were on stages III and IV in both histological groups. The mean survival rates were 7.7 ± 9.5 months for patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 8.0 ± 10.9 months for patients with adenocarcinoma. No significant differences on tumor stage and survival rates were detected between the histological groups.CONCLUSION: Epidemiological features are distinct for the histopathological types of esophageal cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with black race, alcohol and smoking, while adenocarcinoma is related to higher body mass index, white race and Barrett's esophagus.

The long-term spatial-temporal trends and burden of esophageal cancer in one high-risk area: A population-registered study in Feicheng, China

“…It has been indicated that the development of esophageal cancer is frequently induced by chronic exposure to irritants, spices, hot drinks, alcohol, and smoking. The risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma differ from those of esophageal adenocarcinoma [27]. The risk factors for the adenocarcinomas mainly include obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease and some dietary factors, such as diets high in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol [28,29], while tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are the most important risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma [29,30].…”

Adult height, body mass index change, and body shape change in relation to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk: A population‐based case‐control study in China

“…Esophageal cancer has two predominant histopathological subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The risk factors and genomic characteristics of each of these cancers are quite different . Most studies show that the risk of EAC is inversely associated with adult height, but the associations between ESCC risk and adult height are erratic .…”

Increased B7-H4 expression during esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis is associated with IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway activation in mice

“…There are two histological types of esophageal cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADE) (2). Although the incidence of ADE has increased rapidly in Western countries during the last 30 years, SCC is still the major type of esophageal cancer-related threat in Asia, Southern and Eastern Africa, and Northern France (3).…”