ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA-FACT SHEET

Definition
Malignant neoplasm of the esophagus showing squamous differentiation, usually with
keratinization
Incidence and Location
The overall incidence of esophageal cancer in the United States is 4.8 cases per 100,000
persons; it is not clear what percentage is squamous, but probably less than one half
In contrast to the rate of adenocarcinoma, the rate of squamous cell carcinoma is decreasing
in the United States; most examples are in the midesophagus
Morbidity and Mortality
The overall prognosis for these tumors is poor, similar to that for adenocarcinoma.
Gender, Race, and Age Distribution
These tumors predominate in African American men in their 60s
Tobacco and alcohol are strong risk factors
Clinical Features
Similar to adenocarcinoma-dysphagia, odynophagia, weight loss
ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA-PATHOLOGIC FEATURES
Gross Findings
Mass lesion most often in the middle one third of the esophagus
Microscopic Findings
Carcinoma with squamous differentiation (keratinization is common)
Associated in situ squamous carcinoma often seen
Example: Spindle cell morphology, which tends to be exophytic
Immunohistochemistry
May display CKS/6, P63 (as well as other keratins)
Differential Diagnosis
Most are not a diagnostic problem; spindled examples can usually be resolved with
immunohistochemistry or additional sampling to deted an in situ component