Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Rare Tumor
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Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
Nasir Khokhar1, Humaira Nasir2, Mohammad Amir3
1Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shifa International Hospital and Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad.
Abstract:
Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of esophagus is a rare tumor with about 20 cases reported worldwide. It can involve the salivary gland, esophagus, stomach, thymus, thyroid, breast, lung, uterus, cervix, urinary bladder, and the skin. Its association with Epstein Barr virus has been postulated. We report the case of a 45-year female who had been treated for hepatitis C and esophageal tuberculosis and recovered fully from these conditions. She presented with dysphagia of 2-3 month duration. Endoscopic examination revealed narrowing of the esophageal lumen with a fungating mass at the lower end of esophagus with no extension into the stomach. ACTscan confirmed a mass at the lower end of esophagus with multiple enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Histological and immunohistochemistry of esophageal biopsy sample showed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma. She was managed with chemotherapy comprising of capecitabine, epirubicin and cisplatin followed by esophagectomy and made full recovery.
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