Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oesophagus

The light and electron microscopic appearances of a primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oesophagus are described in a 70 year old male patient. A large tumour in the lower third of the oesophagus was resected. The tumour exhibited a polypoid appearance and was histologically identical to the previously described adenoid cystic carcinoma of the oesophagus. The patient died 3 months after surgery from widespread distant metastases. These tumours appear to be more aggressive when they arise in the oesophagus than in the salivary glands.