A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the esophagus

Abstract

A 64-year-old male admitted with feeling of a foreign body at the esophagus in swallowing. Esophageal radiologic findings showed a serrated type shadow defect 6 cm in diameter at the middle thoracic esophagus. Endoscopic findings revealed a elevated type tumor at a site 32 cm from the incisor dentition. The biopsy specimens showed squamous cell carcinoma. The operation was performed with right thoracotomy, subesophagotomy, and reconstruction of gastric tube via substernum. Macroscopically, a elevated type tumor of 5.5 x 4.0 x 2.0 cm covered by normal esophageal mucosa at the periphery was recognized. Histologically, most of the tumor was adenoid cystic carcinoma differentiating to squamous cell carcinoma in the epithelium. Immunohistological stain of actin, S-100 protein indicated that the tumor may have originated from an esophageal gland. Histologic stage was mp, ly(-), v(-), n(-), stage I. Surgical curability was CIII. Postoperative irradiation for prevention of recurrence has been conducted. The patient survives without tumor at present 4 months later.