[Association of idiopathic megaesophagus and carcinoma]

In the light of three cases of esophageal carcinoma developing on a pre-existing idiopathic megaesophagus the authors examine etiopatological, clinical and terapeutic problems related to this association. They believe that carcinoma of the esophagus tends to be a complication of cardiospasm in patients inadequately treated for the primary condition. Early diagnosis and an adequate Heller operation for cardiospasm will lessen the chance of cancer developing in megaesophagus with stasis. When finally diagnosed, this variety of esophageal carcinoma has an extremely poor prognosis. An even more important claim upon the clinician is to be alert to the hazards of continued stasis in megaesophagus and to devise earlier techniques of recognition, including more frequent recourse to biopsy during esophagoscopy.