Undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus with rapid growth of lymph node. A case report and review of the literature

Tumori. 2008 May-Jun;94(3):411-5. doi: 10.1177/030089160809400319.

Abstract

We present a case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus (UCE) treated with chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil plus nedaplatin and radiotherapy. The patient developed rapid growth of lymph nodes and died of massive hematemesis 2 months after the diagnosis. UCE is rare but highly malignant. Since there is no established treatment for UCE, its clinical outcome is invariably poor. We also reviewed the effectiveness of chemotherapy against UCE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma / secondary*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Hematemesis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant

Substances

  • Organoplatinum Compounds
  • nedaplatin
  • Fluorouracil