Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025
10:43
Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
3.5K
Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a Zenker diverticulum
Francesca Polit1, Hisham F Bahmad1, Jessica Wahi2
1Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|October 5, 2022
Summary
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rarely found in Zenker diverticulum (ZD). This case highlights the importance of regular endoscopic surveillance for ZD patients to detect early signs of malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is a rare outpouching of the pharyngeal or esophageal wall.
- Malignancy within a ZD is exceptionally uncommon, with fewer than 50 global cases reported.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented with a decade of regurgitation, dysphagia, and halitosis.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed a large posterior esophageal ZD with substantial contrast retention.
- Surgical excision revealed a co-existing squamous cell carcinoma within the diverticulum.
Findings:
- The study details a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originating within a Zenker diverticulum (ZD).
- Histopathological analysis confirmed SCC in the resected diverticulum specimen.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for vigilant endoscopic surveillance in patients diagnosed with Zenker diverticulum.
- Early detection of suspicious lesions via regular endoscopy is crucial for improved patient outcomes in ZD-associated malignancies.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
157
Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
157
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
2.7K
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
2.7K
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
272
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
272
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
267
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by mucosal excavation in the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. It can manifest as acute or chronic based on the extent and duration of mucosal involvement.
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
267
01:35Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia
2.4K
Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However,...
2.4K
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
244
Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
244