Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: a case report
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Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
1First Department of Surgery, Yokohama City University, School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Abstract:
Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus, which is similar in appearance and behavior to its counterpart of the lung, is a rare tumor. We describe a 77 year-old woman whose esophagram revealed a well-defined mass in the lower third of the thoracic esophagus. A biopsy specimen showed an infiltration of small malignant cells. The individual cells were oval- or spindle-shaped with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Synaptophysin staining was positive. The mass was diagnosed as a small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. She underwent an esophagectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis. We discuss the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
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