Small cell carcinoma esophagus: A rare entity

Abstract

Small cell carcinoma of esophagus (SCCE), uncommon and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic consensus, less than 1% of all oesophageal cancers, presents with symptoms of dysphagia and weight loss, leading to diagnosis through endoscopy and histopathological evaluation.

This paper presents two case reports of SCCE. Case 1 involves a 70-year-old male with progressive dysphagia, revealing a lobulated mass in mid-esophagus diagnosed as SCCE. Imaging and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, with positive markers for CAM5.2 and Chromogranin, managed through a multidisciplinary approach, with chemoradiotherapy initiated as primary treatment due to disease’s aggressiveness and limited surgical benefit.

Case 2 describes a 60-year-old male with multiple comorbidities, demonstrated rapid disease progression and systemic complications associated with SCCE. Current literature supports the use of chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced SCCE, although overall prognosis remains poor, an average survival of approximately 12 months. Further studies are warranted to establish optimal management strategies.

Keywords: Oesophageal cancer, Oesophageal neoplasms, Small cell carcinoma, CAM5.2 Cytokeratin, Chromogranin.