Esophageal intramural metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction.

Among a total of 143 patients examined for diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the cardia, intramural esophageal metastases were verified in six patients (4.19 %). In each case the diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination. The histological structure of the primary tumors and metastases was the same. Metastases were detected by endoscopic ultrasound examination in three cases. All the cardia tumors proved to be well advanced. As well as endoscopic identification of the primary tumor, thorough examination of the proximal part of the esophagus is of great importance.