Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Lower Third of the Esophagus: A Case Report

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma usually predominates in the flat cells of the upper two thirds of the esophagus and is rare in the distal third due to histologic characteristics. Smoking and alcoholism are the most important associated risk factors and the predominant symptom is dysphagia. Surgery is the treatment of choice in localized disease; in advanced stages chemotherapy is used for palliative purposes. We present the clinical case of a 77-year-old man with a history of significant positive alcoholism and smoking and systemic arterial hypertension. He presented 2 months of evolution with progressive dysphagia, from liquids to solids, anorexia and hematemesis. Endoscopy reports linear erosions in the gastroesophageal junction with a stenosing, infiltrative and partially ulcerated tumor. Computed axial tomography with evidence of hepatic nodules compatible with distant activity. He was referred to general surgery for gastrostomy for enteral tube feeding and to medical oncology for treatment with chemotherapy with palliative intent.