[Malignant change affecting stenotic scarring (caustic) of the oesophagus (author's transl)]

The authors report four cases of carcinoma of the oesophagus developing at the site of old burns. They review the classical features of this type of lesion, found in their own cases: the role of trauma from dilatations and the very long time elapsing before malignant change occurs (29 to 57 years, according to the individual cases). They discuss the prophylactic value of oesophagectomy with oesophagoplasty following severe burns with stenotic scarring. Finally, they note that whilst the treatment of these forms of carcinoma of the oesophagus is in general palliative, curative surgery may nevertheless be envisaged.