Verrucous carcinoma of the oesophagus and achalasia

A 67 year old male caucasian clerical worker with a background of long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux-like dyspepsia and bronchiectasis presented to a tertiary hospital gastroenterology unit with a recent onset of dysphagia. An initial diagnosis of achalasia was made and within 1 year an established verrucous carcinoma of the upper oesophagus had developed. The tumour was inoperable due to tracheal invasion and therefore palliative treatment was given. The patient developed a tracheo-oesophageal fistula and died of pneumonia. Thus, verrucous squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus can occur with achalasia.