RESUMO
Esophageal carcinoma represents a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the anatomical situation and physiopathology of the disease. The medical challenge can be even greater since esophageal carcinoma can evolve concomitant to another malignant tumor with different localization. This paper's aim is to present a case of squamous esophageal cancer associated to another primitive malignant tumor-malignant pericolic conjunctive tumor, this kind of association being singular in medical literature from our knowledge. Upon emergency presentation the patient was sketching a sub-occlusive syndrome with mild anemia and inflammatory syndrome, somehow suggesting a possible right colon cancer. However, discreet upper digestive pole symptomatology that, on first sight, seemed secondary, made the consultant to perform a superior digestive endoscopy that raised a strong suspicion of early stage esophageal carcinoma. Further exploration was not completed because occlusive complication occurred and the patient needed emergency surgery. On laparotomy a stenotic right colic angle tumor was discovered that later proved to be extra-mucosal, with conjunctive origin. Our paper focuses on highlighting the crucial importance of the imagistic explorations in the primary diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma, in the correct staging (lymphatic extension, loco-regional or distant metastases) and also for malignant tumors with another localization that can radically modify the therapeutic strategy.
RESUMO
Esophageal cancer most commonly presents with upper digestive symptoms such as dysphagia. Lymph nodes are among the most common metastatic sites of this type of cancer. We report the case of a 53-year-old man presenting with unusual sole presenting features of esophageal cancer. The patient sought medical attention for abdominal pain without dysphagia, which was first investigated with an abdominal computed tomography scan. A large abdominal mass was discovered on imaging. Biopsies of this mass were in keeping with esophageal squamous cell cancer. With this finding, gastroscopy was performed, confirming the presence of primary esophageal cancer. This is a rare presentation of esophageal cancer without upper gastrointestinal symptoms. This case reinforces the value of biopsy for any neoplastic mass, especially in a context of unusual symptoms.