Which esophageal malignancy is often associated with Barrett's esophagus?

Adenocarcinoma is the esophageal malignancy that is often associated with Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal squamous cells lining the esophagus are replaced with columnar cells, typically as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This cellular change is considered a precancerous condition, increasing the risk for developing adenocarcinoma, which arises from the glandular cells.

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is notably more prevalent in individuals with Barrett's esophagus compared to the general population, making the association particularly significant in clinical practice. In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma is more often linked to factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, not specifically Barrett's esophagus. Gastroesophageal junction cancer can have overlapping characteristics with adenocarcinoma but is not directly a result of Barrett's esophagus. Neuroendocrine tumors, while they can occur in the esophagus, are not commonly associated with Barrett's esophagus. Thus, adenocarcinoma is the correct answer, as it directly links to the pathophysiology of Barrett's esophagus.