Expression of CD44 and CD133 stem cell markers in squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus.

Context: Role of cancer stem cells in the esophageal carcinogenesis is not clear.

Aim: To assess the expression of CD44 and CD133 cancer stem cell markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its predisposing lesions by immunohistochemistry.

Setting And Design: Prospective study as a part of an intramural research project.