Esophageal carcinoma with tracheal stenosis due to tumor invasion and long survival after chemoradiotherapy

Dis Esophagus. 2003;16(3):261-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1442-2050.2003.00340.x.

Abstract

For patients who have esophageal carcinoma with tracheal invasion surgery is usually not indicated because operative complications are considerable and the prognosis is poor. We experienced complete regression of a large esophageal carcinoma with tracheal stenosis due to tumor invasion without tracheo-esophageal fistula. Irradiation of 68 Gy was delivered to a long T field from the neck to the lower thoracic esophagus, and was combined with chemotherapy using cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The tumor decreased markedly in size and the tracheal stenosis resolved. The patient has survived for 4 years, although second primary early esophageal carcinoma and hypopharyngeal carcinoma were detected 2 years after his initial chemoradiotherapy. Although the prognosis of advanced esophageal carcinoma with invasion of other organs is usually poor, the effect of chemoradiotherapy can sometimes be dramatic and a good result can be achieved in such patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Remission Induction
  • Survivors
  • Time Factors
  • Tracheal Stenosis / etiology*