Abstract: Objective To study the expression of hTERT protein and its relationship with DNA content and cell proliferation cycle in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Expression of hTERT was examined by immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry was used to detect hTERT , DNA content and proliferation index. Rsults ①Positive rates and FI of hTERT in cancinoma were significantly higher than that in paracancerous group (P<0.01). ②DI and heteroploid percent in carcinoma showed generally higher than that in paracancerous group (P<0.05), PI in carcinoma was markedly higher than that in paracancerous group (P<0.01). Conclusions Over expressed hTERT, increased DNA content and elevated proliferation index are associated with esophageal epithelial carcinogenesis and malignant progressing.