PURPOSE: To determine the radiographic findings of small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed barium studies as well as medical and pathologic records for three cases of small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus contributed to the radiologic archives of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. RESULTS: Two patients presented with dysphagia and one with chest pain. In all three patients, barium studies revealed a smoothly marginated, sessile mass with a relatively flat central ulcer on the right postero-lateral wall of the midesophagus below the level of the carina. The masses all were 4-5 cm in diameter, and the ulcers were 2-3 cm in diameter. In all three patients, the results of endoscopy confirmed the presence of a sessile mass with central ulceration in the midesophagus. CONCLUSION: Small-cell carcinomas of the esophagus can have similar findings on barium studies. Although these findings are more likely to be caused by squamous-cell carcinoma, it is important to obtain endoscopic biopsy specimens, because preoperative histologic diagnosis of small-cell carcinoma can dramatically alter the management of these cases.
PURPOSE: To determine the radiographic findings of small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed barium studies as well as medical and pathologic records for three cases of small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus contributed to the radiologic archives of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. RESULTS: Two patients presented with dysphagia and one with chest pain. In all three patients, barium studies revealed a smoothly marginated, sessile mass with a relatively flat central ulcer on the right postero-lateral wall of the midesophagus below the level of the carina. The masses all were 4-5 cm in diameter, and the ulcers were 2-3 cm in diameter. In all three patients, the results of endoscopy confirmed the presence of a sessile mass with central ulceration in the midesophagus. CONCLUSION: Small-cell carcinomas of the esophagus can have similar findings on barium studies. Although these findings are more likely to be caused by squamous-cell carcinoma, it is important to obtain endoscopic biopsy specimens, because preoperative histologic diagnosis of small-cell carcinoma can dramatically alter the management of these cases.