Rapid growth of a pseudosarcoma of the esophagus.

The growth of a pseudosarcoma of the esophagus was observed chronologically by serial esophagography. Esophagograms taken 12 and 6 months prior to diagnosis showed no abnormalities. At diagnosis, the tumor in the lower esophagus had a polypoid and nodular surface with a stalk, and it was approximately 3 cm in diameter. Four months later, the tumor had increased in size to 4 cm in diameter. The tumor was 5 cm in length and incarcerated into the stomach with an elongated stalk at operation. The growth curve was linear on semilogarithmic paper; its doubling time was calculated as 2.2 months. The surgical specimen showed squamous cell carcinoma and spindle cell sarcoma-like elements that comprised the greater part of the tumor. The sarcoma-like elements had metastasized to the abdominal lymph nodes. These findings confirm that this polypoid tumor grows rapidly.