BACKGROUND: Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare disease, characterized by aggressive progression, which is similar in appearance and behavior to its counterpart of the lung. It has a high incidence of metastatic disease at presentation and a poor prognosis. Treatment protocols are not well established because of the small number of cases and lack of large studies. CASE REPORT: 66 year-old woman, was admitted to the hospital with persistent dysphagia. Radiologic and endoscopic examination revealed an stenosing tumor in the lower third of the esophagus. The biopsy specimen was diagnosed as small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The patient underwent an esophagectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis. CONCLUSION: The role of surgery remains controversial and the improvement of life quality is to be considered. Therapeutic approach is mainly esophageal resection.
Carcinoma; small cell; Esophageal neoplasms; Esophageal stenosis
