Small cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus. Case report with hormonal studies

This report details clinical and pathologic aspects of a case of small cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus. Transmission electron microscopic examination demonstrated neurosecretory granules, and indirect immunoperoxidase stain for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was positive. However, the authors detected no abnormal hormone levels in urine or blood. The calculated tumor doubling time was approximately 2 days. The fulminant nature of this carcinoma was also evident from the rapid clinical progression in spite of surgical excision, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.