[A case of small cell carcinoma (oat-cell type) of the esophagus]

We experienced a case of small cell carcinoma of the esophagus treated by operation. A 57-year-old female was examined for a complaint of dysphagia. The radiologic and endoscopic examination revealed Borrmann III like tumor (8 cm long) at lower esophagus (EiEa). Endoscopic biopsy led to a diagnosis of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Chest X-ray and chest CT showed no lung tumor, no swelling of lymph node and no invasion of esophageal tumor. Lower esophagectomy, proximal gastrectomy and esophago-gastrostomy through intrathoracic route was performed. Histopathologically, resected tumor was diagnosed as small cell carcinoma (Oat-cell type) with rosette formation. Grimerius stain revealed negative reaction and immunohistochemical stain by NSE monoclonal antibody revealed positive reaction in tumor cells. Histological staging was a0, n1(+), M0, P1(zero), stage II. Recurrence at paraaortic lymph node occurred in 2 months after the surgery. Chemotherapy (CDDP, 5-FU and Leucovorin) was performed, but not effective. She died from multiple metastases in 5 months after the surgery (6 months after the diagnosis).