Related Experiment Videos
[Carcinoma in a long-standing Zenker's diverticulum]
T Jorgensen1, C Martínez Ramos, J R Núñez Peña
1III Cátedra de Cirugía, Hospital Universitario San Carlos.
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This case study highlights squamous cell carcinoma developing in a Zenker's diverticulum. Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment, including surgery and radiotherapy, led to a favorable outcome for the patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Zenker's diverticulum is a rare outpouching of the pharyngeal mucosa.
- Malignancy within a Zenker's diverticulum is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with severe dysphagia and regurgitation.
- A long-standing Zenker's diverticulum was noted, with barium spilling into the tracheobronchial tree.
- The patient had a 25-year history of refusing surgical intervention for the diverticulum.
Findings:
- Surgical diverticulectomy revealed squamous cell carcinoma with pearl formation within the diverticular wall.
- The carcinoma was confined to the diverticulum, without extruding beyond its wall.
- Histopathology confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering malignancy in longstanding Zenker's diverticula, even without initial suspicious imaging findings.
- Multimodal therapy involving surgical resection, radiotherapy (TCT), and chemotherapy (Mitomycin, 5-Fluorouracil) can be effective.
- Complete resolution and asymptomatic status after a 2-year follow-up suggest successful treatment outcomes.