Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus associated with peptic duodenal ulcer

Three cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus coexisting with active peptic ulcer disease are described from a 4-year experience of 46 patients hospitalized at our institution. This association has not previously been described and reasons for this are discussed. The need for recognition of this possible association and complications of diagnosis and management are presented. Peptic ulcer disease is thought to rarely coexist with malignant disorders. No patient with coexistent esophageal carcinoma and peptic ulcer disease was noted over a 5-year period at a Veterans Administration Hospital, and it was suggested that this association was also rare (1). We retrospectively reviewed all cases (n = 46) of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) over a 4-year period. All patients had had barium studies and/or endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract performed. Of the 46 patients, two had active ulcer disease complicating their diagnosis and management and one had the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease established shortly after the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma.