Superficial undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of the esophagus showing an interesting growing pattern in histology

Hepatogastroenterology. 2000 Mar-Apr;47(32):429-32.

Abstract

We report a case of superficial undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The histology of the tumor was interesting; there was squamous cell differentiation within the epithelial layer and undifferentiated small cells growing within the submucosal layer. The tumor had a negative Grimelius reaction, suggesting no differentiation into a hormone-producing carcinoma known as an apudoma (Amine Precursor Uptake and Decarboxylation (APUD)). The serum levels of ACTH and calcitonin were within normal limits. As the patient was elderly and had a history of pleural tuberculosis causing poor pulmonary function, and owing to the fulminant nature of this carcinoma, he underwent blunt dissection of the esophagus by posterior mediastinal gastric pull-up. The patient recovered quickly and was able to be discharged with a good quality of life until the tumor recurred as a liver metastasis 6 months later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / surgery
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Esophagectomy
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology