Objective:To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C),D (VEGF-D),and lymphatic vessel formation induced by them in the spreading of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods: We evaluated the expression of VEGF-C and D in 64 ESCC specimens and assessed the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in tumor and adjacent tissues by using D2-40 immunostaining. And their relationship with the clinicopathological parameters of ESCC was analyzed.Results: The expression of VEGF-C and D was significantly higher in the tumor and adjacent tissues compared with that in the normal control tissue (P<0.01),and their expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastases (P<0.01),TNM stage (P<0.05) and tumor infiltration depth (P<0.05).LVD was significantly higher in tumor and adjacent tissues than in normal tissue (P<0.05); but LVD was not correlated with the clinicopathological parameters,including lymph node metastasis. In addition,the LVD in the VEGF-C or VEGF-D positive groups was significantly higher than that in the negative group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression may promote lymphangiogenesis in esophageal carcinoma,contributing to metastasis of ESCC to regional lymph node.