Expanding Growth and Pharyngeal Mass Formation in Elderly Patient With Esophageal Cancer: Unusual Manifestation

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has invasive nature itself, and infiltration to the surrounding organs is common. We experienced a case of esophageal cancer with unusual manifestation. Eighty-one-year-old female with 3 years history of cognitive disorder referred to our hospital because of dysphagia lasting for a month. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with thin scope revealed a white-colored, soft mass lesion occupying almost whole of the lower pharynx. The lesion connected to the thickened esophageal wall, and the scope could not get through due to stenosis at the upper esophagus. The computed tomography showed marked thickness of the esophageal wall at the upper to middle portion without direct invasion or fistula formation to the surrounding organs. The lesion had protruding parts at the both edges, shown as low-density area on computed tomography, indicating inflammatory change. Pathological examination of the biopsied specimen showed squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and necrotic tissue of the pharynx. The patient initiated radiation therapy after tracheotomy was made, but died due to pneumonia two months later. J Med Cases. 2012;3(3):211-213 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc587w