[Association of esophageal carcinoma with achalasia--report on 7 cases]

Among 11,821 cases of esophageal carcinoma treated in a 32 year period, 7 were found to be associated with achalasia (0.059%). Five cases were proved by biopsy or cytology and 2 were diagnosed by esophagograms. There were 4 men and 3 women. The age ranged from 30-54 years with a median of 38. The age was younger than that of esophageal carcinoma unassociated with achalasia. Duration of achalasia was from 7 to 20 years. Three patients died within 1 year and 1 died 17 months after diagnosis. Three were lost to follow-up. The presenting symptoms were aggravating dysphagia in 4; and hoarseness, dyspnea and bloody regurgitation in the other two. Patients with achalasia should be treated energetically in the early stage. Double contrast esophagography and esophagoscopy should be done carefully during the followup. Preparation of the esophagus is most important when performing the X-ray examination of the esophagus.