Survival after esophageal resection for carcinoma: the importance of the histologic cell type.

Background: The significance of tumor cell type on survival after esophageal resection for carcinoma is uncertain. We reviewed our experience in order to compare the outcome in the two main histologic groups.

Methods: Between January 1987 and April 2000, 621 patients underwent esophagectomy with curative intention for squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.