Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus combined with superficial esophageal cancer.

Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare neoplasm, with approximately 134 cases having been reported in the world literature, including some cases of small cell carcinoma concomitant with squamous cell carcinoma. We present the case of an 71-year-old man with small cell carcinoma concomitant with a superficial early type of squamous cell carcinoma. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection for the early cancer, followed by an operation two weeks later. We discuss appropriate therapeutic methods for treating such early esophageal cancers, and the relationship between small cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.