FOUR CASES OF SYNCHRONOUS DOUBLE CANCER OF ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC EARLY CANCER

Abstract

Among 564 cases resected and reconstructed for an esophageal cancer at the department in a recent 12-year period, we experienced 4 cases (0.7%) of synchronous double cancer of esophageal and gastric early cancer. Of the 4 cases, 2 cases were referred to the hospital with the definite diagnosis which was made at elsewhere; one cases was detected having synchronous cancer at the outpatient clinic; and the remaining one cases was diagnosed by preoperative exploration for a rectal cancer. All 4 cases were diagnosed between 1991 and 1993 that might result from a remarkable improvement in endoscopic diagnostic technique. All 4 cases are alive and free from cancer. Operative procedure should be selected by the balance of surgical intervention and curability. The indication of more limited operation such as endoscopic mucosectomy or blunt dissection should be also considered for the esophageal cancer. The sufficient preoperative examination entertaining possible multiple gastric cancer, multiple esophageal cancer and synchronous triple cancer is important to gain a better prognosis.