Esophageal squamous cell cancer coincides with myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myelogenous leukemia: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and has high incidence and mortality rates, worldwide. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disorder of hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, results in marrow failure, which increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Few studies had reported patients who have suffered from both ESCC and MDS/AML simul- taneously. To identify possible potential associations between ESCC and MDS/AML, the present case report describes a patient with both types of these tumors at the same time. Following endoscopic biopsy, the patient was revealed to have moderately differentiated SCC. MDS with excess blasts was subsequently diagnosed following bone marrow aspiration. The results of next-generation sequencing revealed that TP53 and ROS1 were both found in ESCC and MDS/AML tumors. The patient refused therapeutic intervention and died within 20 days. The current report demonstrated that hematologic malignancies presenting alongside solid tumors should be considered clinically. In addition, the report indicated that bone marrow puncture should be performed in patients with solid tumors and abnormal blood test results. Next-generation sequencing may be a useful technique for the investigation of patients with two or more neoplasms. However, more research regarding the co-existence of solid tumors with hematological malignancy are required.