Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum complicated by squamous cell carcinoma

Pharyngoesophageal (Zenker's) diverticulum is a relatively common acquired condition that may cause dysphagia and regurgitation of food. Squamous carcinoma may develop in such a diverticulum, but this complication is exceedingly rare and may not be suspected preoperatively. This report describes a case in which the diagnosis of squamous carcinoma was made after regurgitation of malignant tissue from a radiographically proven pharyngoesophageal diverticulum. The patient was treated by simple diverticulectomy and postoperative radiation therapy.