Metastatic esophageal tumor from cecal carcinoma

A 55-year-old man developed progressive dysphagia 14 months after palliative colectomy and subsequent systemic chemotherapy for advanced cecal cancer with carcinomatosis peritonei. Radiologic and endoscopic examinations suggested a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus causing a severe luminal stricture. A self-expanding metal stent was placed for palliation. The prosthesis was effective for several months, but ingrowth of the tumor caused re-stricture of the esophagus. Since his general condition was quite good without any evidence of recurrence of the cecal cancer, we performed bypass surgery for palliation. The pathological appearance of the tumor was compatible with the metastasis of cecal cancer. Our case suggests that a surgical approach can be considered as a therapeutic method for metastatic esophageal tumor, even in patients with advanced cancer, as long as the primary tumor is satisfactorily controlled.