Synchronous primary esophageal and gastric cancers

The diagnosed multiple cancer cases have recently been increasing in number. The frequency of synchronous esophageal and gastric carcinomas is increasing due to development of more sophisticated invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tools and an increase in the number of elderly patients. Four cases of synchronous esophageal and gastric cancers were diagnosed in 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin and in Radiological Department of Hospital in Krosno between the 1996 and 2002. In all cases double-contrast barium examinations of upper gastrointestinal tract were performed. In all cases the two lesions were found, separated by normal mucous membrane. In two cases the irregular tumor masses were localized in the gastric cardia. In two patients coexistent lesions form the oval filling defect, with hazy appearance in the middle of the anterior esophageal wall. In three cases the results of contrast examinations were confirmed with CT. Endoscopy with taking the specimens for histopathological examination supplemented the radiological examination. The results of histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis. The possibility of multiple primary cancers should be kept in mind during the preoperative examination. In case of esophageal cancer with severe stricture, when endoscope cannot be passed through the esophagus, the stomach should be carefully examined in a barium meal study.