Bifocal esophageal and rectal cancer palliatively treated with argon plasma coagulation

Primary multiple neoplasms make a serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem. They occur infrequently; however, they must be considered in the diagnosis as the detection of simultaneous neoplastic foci requires change of therapeutic approach. We present a case of a patient with synchronous esophageal and rectal cancer treated at the Department of Surgery. Because of the advanced neoplastic process and concomitant diseases, the patient was qualified for minimally invasive procedures with recanalization using argon plasma coagulation to avoid injuring palliative procedures and to improve quality of life. The patient died of the primary disease without symptoms of gastrointestinal tract obstruction.