Cyfra 21-1 is a useful marker in lung cancer. The only tumor marker used at the present time in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is SCC (squamous cell carcinoma). In this study we evaluated the pre-treatment sensitivity and specificity of these two markers in this setting. Cyfra 21-1 and SCC were determined by radio-immunoassay on 76 patients having OSCC. Staging was done according to the UICC 1978 classification based on endoscopy, baryum enema and CT scan. The sensitivity of Cyfra 21-1 is better at the 1.5 ng/ml level (54%) than at the usual reported level of 3.6 ng/ml (26%). The best level for sensitivity of SCC is 1.5 ng/ml. At these levels, sensitivity of Cyfra 21-1 and SCC for advanced stages (T3 or M1) are respectively 72% and 50%. The specificity of Cyfra 21-1 and SCC for stages T1 or T2 are respectively 53% and 73%. The combination of these two markers increase sensitivity at 64% for all stages and at 89% for advanced stages (T3 or M1) and is a significant prognostic factor for survival. This study confirms the value of Cyfra 21-1 in OSCC at the normal level of 1.5 ng/ml. The combination with SC improves the results. We now need to evaluate the role of these two markers in the follow up of oesophageal carcinoma.