Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States, and it affects primarily white men. Squamous cell carcinoma. Esophageal cancer is an aggressive form of cancer, and one that often remains asymptomatic until relatively late in the disease process. ... Adenocarcinoma develops from abnormal glandular cells that line the walls of the esophagus that has been damaged by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Adenocarcinoma of the lung can only be cured if the entire tumor is removed surgically or destroyed with radiation. However, many lung cancers are diagnosed at a stage when this is not possible. Less than one-fifth of patients survive five years or longer