Esophageal Cancer Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Cancer Type:

Based on cancer type, the market is categorized into adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Trends in Cancer Type:

• The rise in the consumption of alcohol leads to the prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma.

The squamous cell carcinomas segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024.

• This type of cancer begins in the flat thin cell that line the esophagus.
• The cells are also called squamous cells. They are generally found in the upper and middle portion of the esophagus.
• This type of cancer develops in the squamous cells and begins to grow uncontrollably. This leads to the formation of tumor.
• Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas are associated with risk factors such as drinking alcohol and smoking.
• These factors are driving the prevalence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
• For instance, the data published by National Library of Medicine, in 2023, states that squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) subtype, which accounts for 80% of EC cases.
• Thus, these factors are influencing the esophageal cancer market trends.

Adenocarcinomas is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Adenocarcinoma is the type of cancer that begins in the glandular cells of the esophagus.
• The glandular cells generally produce mucus to protect the lining of the esophagus.
• This type of cancer begins in the lower region of the esophagus.
• The condition arises from barret’s esophagus. This is a condition where the esophagus where the normal tissue lining of the esophagus is replaced with the tissue lining of the intestine.
• This type of cancer is common in various western countries, and the incidence of these conditions is rising.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, the rise in the incidences of adenocarcinomas is driving the growth of the segment in the coming years.

By Type:

Based on type, the market is categorized into diagnosis and treatment.

Trends in Type:

• The development of immunotherapy for treatment is influencing this type of cancer.
• The growing trend for the use of combination medications is influencing the segment.

The treatment segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• The treatment segment is further categorized into chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and others.
• Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to destroy the highly growing cells in the body.
• This shrinks the tumor before the surgery.
• Immunotherapy uses checkpoint inhibitors to develop the disruption and recognition of cancer cells mainly by T-lymphocytes.
• The use of targeted therapy generally focuses on specific abnormalities that cause the growth of the tumor.
• These therapies in combination or singly are used for the treatment of the cancer of esophagus have shown a positive survival rate.
• For instance, the data published in the Medical News states that 5-year survival rate for people who had combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy was 20–27%.
• Thus, the rise in the development of novel therapies is driving trends of the segment.

By End-User:

Based on end user, the market is categorized into hospitals, diagnostic centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others.

Trends in the End User:

• Development of advanced facilities with novel diagnostic and treatment options is influencing the segment.
• The rise in the trend for same day procedure and discharge is influencing the segment.

The hospital segment accounted for the largest market share of 58.25% in the year 2024.

• Hospitals provide well-equipped centers that perform biopsy procedures.
• The hospitals have departments for radiology and oncology. They have well-trained staff and technicians.
• These departments consist of well-equipped imaging solutions. They include imaging solutions such as ultrasound, MRI-machines, and others.
• Many hospitals are introducing new centers for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
• For instance, in 2025, Advocate Radiation Oncology extended its reach by creating new cancer treatment centers in Fort Lauderdale. The center aims to increase access to specialized radiation oncology services for esophageal cancer within the region.
• Thus, this rise in the number of hospitals that offer enhanced diagnosis and treatment options is driving the demand of the segment.

The ambulatory surgical centers is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are the fastest growing segment of the market.
• This facility provides a cost-effective alternative to hospitals. They are beneficial for numerous minimally invasive procedures that are required for cancer.
• The facilities consist of advanced technology. They have experienced staff such as doctors and nurses among others.
• This allows them to perform a range of procedures safely and efficiently.
• These settings allow patients to get discharged the same day as the procedure. This is beneficial for many patients as it saves time and money.
• Thus, these ambulatory surgical centers as end-user are developing the segment in the coming years.