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Spontaneous Partial Elimination Of A Carcinoma Of The Esophagus

Vergeau, B. 1991Esophageal cancer

Vergeau, B., Molinie, C., Grandpierre, G., & Vindrios, J. (1991). spontaneous partial elimination of a carcinoma of the esophagus. Gastrointestinal endoscopy, 37(5), 591. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0016-5107(91)70852-3

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Case Details

Disease Location

Esophagus

Personal Characteristics

36-year-old man presented with weight loss, fever, and dysphagia. History of heavy alcohol and tobacco use.

Clinical Characteristics

Fiberoptic esophagoscopy showed a pedunculated tumor of the middle part of the esophagus obstructing the lumen; three biopsies were taken and showed only necrotic tissue and intense inflammation. Biopsies of the lesion were consistent with well-differentiated epidermoid carcinoma. The patient underwent a thoraco-abdominal esophagectomy with an esophagogastric anastomosis and pyloroplasty.

Remission Characteristics

The patient noticed a marked and sudden improvement of his dysphagia 13 days after the initial endoscopy. A second endoscopy showed the disappearance of the bulk of the tumor, with a remaining small nodule and esophageal infiltration. The disappearance of the tumor mass was radiologically confirmed by barium x-ray study.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Thoraco-abdominal esophagectomy with an esophagogastric anastomosis and pyloroplasty.