Metastasis as a prognostic factor in cancer of the thoracic segment of the esophagus

Prognostic value of metastases is analyzed on the basis of the results of surgical and combined treatment of 631 cases with carcinoma of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. The metastasizing factor was found to correlate with the depth of the tumor invasion and size. The presence of metastases reduces the possibility of radical operations and lowers the index of 5-year survival.     

A case of leiomyoma of the lamina muscularis mucosae of the esophagus with a complication of carcinoma in situ of the overlying mucosa

An extremely rare case of leiomyoma originating in the lamina muscularis mucosae of the esophagus with a complication of carcinoma in situ in its overlying mucosa was reported. The patient was a 53-year-old male who complained of a feeling of abdominal fullness. A small, elevated tumor was found in the middle portion of the esophagus by esophagoscopy. Biopsy specimens showed it to be squamous cell carcinoma. The resected material revealed the tumor mass to be composed of both a leiomyoma, measuring 0.8 x 0.6 x 0.25 cm, which continued from the lamina muscularis mucosae, and carcinoma in situ and dysplasia in the overlying mucosa of the leiomyoma. The mucosa apart from that covering the leiomyoma was intact. It was speculated that chronic stimulation of the epithelium covering the leiomyoma might have induced the dysplasia and carcinoma in situ.     

Prevalence and characteristics of Barrett esophagus in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction

The prevalence and characteristics of Barrett esophagus in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction are uncertain. We studied 61 consecutive esophagogastrectomy specimens with adenocarcinoma, which were subjected to extensive histopathologic examination. Barrett esophagus was found in 64% of the cases (39 of 61), but had been recognized in only 38% of the patients with Barrett-associated carcinoma who had undergone preoperative endoscopy with biopsy (13 of 34). The median extent of Barrett esophagus with adenocarcinoma was 5 cm (range, 1 cm to 12 cm), and distinctive-type ("specialized") Barrett mucosa predominated (35 of 39; 90%). The Barrett adenocarcinomas were centered in the distal esophagus 2 cm +/- 0.3 cm above the esophagogastric junction. The patients with Barrett adenocarcinoma showed a striking predominance of white men (34 of 39; 87%) in contrast to gastric adenocarcinoma cases (21 of 69; 30%) and to Barrett patients without carcinoma or dysplasia (75 of 149; 50%), but similar to patients having adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction without demonstrable Barrett esophagus (16 of 22; 73%). Our findings suggest that most adenocarcinomas of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction are Barrett carcinomas, rather than gastric cardiac cancers or other types of esophageal adenocarcinoma; most Barrett adenocarcinomas occur in short segments of Barrett esophagus, which may be difficult to detect at endoscopy; and white men with Barrett esophagus may constitute a clinically identifiable at-risk group suitable for surveillance.     

Sebaceous glands in the esophagus.

We report a case of sebaceous glands in the esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy. The patient was a 47-year-old Korean man presented with postprandial pain of several months duration. An endoscopic examination disclosed an early gastric carcinoma in the gastric antrum and a 0.4 x 0.4 cm sized irregular lobulated nodule in the middle esophagus. Microscopically, the lobule was proven to be sebaceous glands in the submucosa. Possible histogenesis of this lesion is discussed.     

Pedunculated duodenal lipoma treated with endoscopic polypectomy with a detachable snare

We report endoscopic polypectomy with a detachable snare in a patient with a hemorrhagic pedunculated duodenal lipoma. A 67-year-old man with a history of spinal canal stenosis was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent tarry stools and anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a pedunculated submucosal tumor measuring approximately 4 cm, in the second part of the duodenum. The tumor had a slightly yellowish coloration, and longitudinal erosion was noted on the surface of the tumor. There were no significant findings in the esophagus, stomach and bulbs. Barium study revealed a pedunculated submucosal tumor measuring 40 x 12 mm in the second portion of the duodenum. We judged that the submucosal tumor may have been the hemorrhagic source, and removed it by endoscopic snare polypectomy with a detachable snare. No complications occurred during endoscopic procedures. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was composed of mature adipose tissue in the submucosa, which was consistent with a diagnosis of lipoma In our experience, endoscopic polypectomy with a detachable snare is useful for the treatment of hemorrhagic pedunculated duodenal lipoma.     

A CASE OF LEIOMYOMA OF THE LAMINA MUSCULARIS MUCOSAE OF THE ESOPHAGUS WITH A COMPLICATION OF CARCINOMA IN SITU OF THE OVERLYING MUCOSA

An extremely rare case of leiomyoma originating in the lamina muscularis mucosae of the esophagus with a complication of carcinoma in situ in its overlying mucosa was reported. The patient was a 53-year-old male who complained of a feeling of abdominal fullness. A small, elevated tumor was found in the middle portion of the esophagus by esophagoscopy. Biopsy specimens showed it to be squamous cell carcinoma. The resected material revealed the tumor mass to be composed of both a leiomyoma, measuring 0.8 × 0.6 × 0.25 cm, which continued from the lamina muscularis mucosae, and carcinoma in situ and dysplasia in the overlying mucosa of the leiomyoma. The mucosa apart from that covering the leiomyoma was intact. It was speculated that chronic stimulation of the epithelium covering the leiomyoma might have induced the dysplasia and carcinoma in situ . ACTA PATHOL. JPN. 37: 1845–1851, 1987.     

LOH at the sites of the DCC, APC, and TP53 tumor suppressor genes occurs in Barrett's metaplasia and dysplasia adjacent to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

Barrett's esophagus carries a 30- to 100-fold increased risk of adenocarcinoma, which is thought to develop via a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma progression. A common genetic abnormality detected in Barrett's adenocarcinoma is loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the sites of known or putative tumor suppressor genes, of which there are at least 9 associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to identify at which histological stage of carcinogenesis LOH at these sites occur. Microdissection of multiple paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 17 esophagogastrectomy specimens of adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus yielded areas of metaplasia, low-, intermediate- and high-grade dysplasia, and carcinoma. LOH analysis of microdissected tissues was performed using a double polymerase chain reaction technique with 11 microsatellite primers shown previously to have LOH in at least 30% of esophageal adenocarcinomas. Identical LOH was detected in premalignant and malignant tissues in 4 of 17 patients, and was located at 5q21-q22 (D5S346 primer), 17p11.1-p12 (TCF2 primer), 17p13.1 (TP53 primer), 18q21.1 (detected in colon cancer tumor suppressor gene [DCC] primer), and 18q23-qter (D18S70 primer). These results suggest that LOH at the sites of the DCC, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and TP53 tumor suppressor genes occur before the development of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus, and so merit further study as potential biomarkers of neoplastic progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus undergoing endoscopic and histological surveillance.     

Esophageal basaloid carcinoma with marked myoepithelial differentiation

A case of esophageal basaloid carcinoma with marked myoepithelial differentiation in a 60-year-old man is reported. The tumor arose as an exophytic mass, measuring 65 x 60 mm, in the middle thoracic esophagus. Approximately two-thirds of the tumor surface was covered with non-cancerous esophageal epithelium. The depth of tumor invasion was limited to the submucosal layer. Histologically, about 70% of the tumor contained a typical basaloid carcinoma component and about 30% contained glandular and intercalated duct-like components with distinct epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation. The tumor presented no component of distinct squamous cell carcinoma, but a small portion of cribriform-like structure, which is typical of adenoid cystic carcinoma, was visible. The inner epithelium composing the intercalated duct-like structure showed immunohistochemical positivity for cytokeratin 14, and the outer epithelium lining adjacent to the stroma showed positivity for alpha-smooth muscle actin. These findings supported epithelial/myoepithelial differentiation. To our knowledge, our case is the first patient with an esophageal basaloid carcinoma showing marked myoepithelial differentiation.     

Transversal laryngotomy. Oncologic and functional results in laryngeal sarcoma. (Malignant fibrous histiocytoma). Case report and literature review

Sarcomas of the larynx are rare neoplasmas that consitute less than 1% of laryngeal malignancies, and their usual treatment is surgery including partial and total laryngectomy and endoscopic laser cordotomy with reported 20% recurrence. Due to previous positive experience from transversal laryngotomy in patients who underwent aritenoidectomy to treat bilateral cord paralysis after total thyroidectomy, the purpose of this work was to report on the surgical treatment of this rare case with such technique. Thus, a 47 year-old physician who complained of hoarseness for four months without dyspnea, stridor, or dysphagia and with no history of irradiation or chemotherapy was operated after both endoscopic and tomographic studies showed a 3 to 4 cm glotic tumor in its right side, with no ulceration. The pathology proved to be malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Five years after surgery the patient is alive with no evidence of disease.     

Carcinoma cuniculatum of the esophagus

AIMS: Extremely well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with the features of so-called carcinoma cuniculatum (CC) is a rare neoplasm. We describe the clinicopathologic findings of the first 2 cases of CC of the esophagus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two elderly men presented with symptoms and clinical signs of esophageal malignancy. Repeated endoscopic biopsies of their esophageal tumors were inconclusive. Resection revealed CC of the esophagogastric junction in both cases. The tumors extended into the adventitia but no lymph node metastases were present. In situ hybridization for human papillomavirus HPV subtypes was negative. CONCLUSION: Carcinoma cuniculatum is reported for the first time in the esophagus. The diagnosis of this tumor variant is difficult by means of cytological examination or by endoscopic biopsies alone. Carcinoma cuniculatum in this location shows biologic features similar to verrucous carcinoma (deep penetration, no lymph nodes metastases, and location at one end of the esophagus). No evidence of human papillomavirus could be demonstrated.     

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy as treatment for ovarian carcinoma and gastrointestinal malignancies: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience)

Several different chemotherapy trials via either combined systemic and intraperitoneal or only via the intraperitoneal route were investigated. The administration of systemically and intraperitoneally infused 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with ovarial carcinoma did not shown in any patient a complete or partial remission, but showed severe side effects. In a patient with a metastasizing adeno carcinoma of the appendix this chemotherapy protocol led to a complete remission. Investigations with intraperitoneally infused cisplatin showed that 50% of all patients came into remission with tumor nodules less than 0.5 cm, but showed only 20% objective remissions in patients with tumor nodules greater than 0.5 cm. The intraperitoneal administration of mitoxantrone showed in several patients with cisplatin refractory ovarial carcinoma tumor remission with, however, severe local toxicity.     

Survival of U.S. Black and White patients with squamous cell cancer of the esophagus

Using data from 11 population-based cancer registries on 1,125 black and 2,392 white patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in 1992-1998, black-white differences in the relative survival rate (RSR)-which adjusts for mortality in the general population-were large only for localized-stage cancer. Within localized stage, black-white differences in RSR were smaller among patients without pathologic review of regional lymph nodes (RLNs). The low frequency of pathologic review of lymph nodes (8% of blacks and 12% of whites) among patients coded as "localized stage" indicates that staging was based on clinical tests (not recorded in cancer registries) and cancer-directed surgery (which was less frequent in blacks than whites). In Cox proportional hazards regression models, including cancer-directed surgery, along with demographic characteristics, the relative risk of death (hazard ratio) for all blacks versus whites was only 1.13 for all stages but 1.31 in a model with only localized-stage patients. Studies are needed on the extent of radiographic, endoscopic and other techniques used to assess stage in black versus white patients. The low survival rates for both blacks and whites emphasize the need for improved treatment and primary prevention efforts.     

Cancer of the esophagus: histopathological sub-types in northern Uganda

Background

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer death worldwide with squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma carcinoma as the main histopathological subtypes. Esophageal cancer is known for its marked variation by geographic region, ethnicity, and gender. Hitherto, the histopathological subtype of this cancer in Northern Uganda were not known. Therefore the aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of esophageal cancer with respect to the histopathologic subtypes, different sites of occurrence, age and gender in this region since its distribution varies with location.

Methods

The study was carried out at Lacor Hospital, in northern part of Uganda. The record of 71 patients who had endoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of cancer of esophagus over a period of 3 years between January 2009 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 140 patients had endoscopic diagnosis of cancer of the esophagus and of these, 71 patients had both endoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of cancer of esophagus during the three-year period covered in the study between January 2009 to December 2011. The female to male ratio was 1:3 with mean age of 55.5 years ± SD 11.8. The common histopathological pattern of cancer of esophagus was squamous cell carcinoma of esophageal consisting of 66 patients (93.o%). The ratio of squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma was 13:1.The majority of the esophageal cancers were found in the middle third with 38 patients (53.52%), followed by lower third with 27 patients (38.0%) and the upper third which was only 6 patients (8.5%).

Conclussions

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathological subtype in this geographical location with overall cancer of the esophagus mainly affecting the lower 2/3 of the esophagus with the majority in the middle third.     

食管癌中COX-2表达与其临床病理特征及预后的关系

目的：检测COX-2在食管癌中的表达，探讨其与食管癌临床病理特征及术后患者预后的关系。方法：应用SABC免疫组化染色法检测89例手术切除的食管癌组织和20例正常食管粘膜组织COX-2蛋白的表达，分析COX-2在食管癌组织的表达与患者性别、年龄、肿瘤部位、病变长度、浸润深度、区域淋巴结转移、远处转移、鳞癌分化程度的关系。并对其中81例有随访资料者，分析COX-2表达与预后的关系。结果：食管癌组COX-2呈阳性表达率为94.38%（84/89），且着色较深，正常食管组COX-2呈阳性表达率为60%（12/20），着色浅。食管癌中，随着肿瘤浸润深度的增加、鳞癌细胞分化程度的减低，COX-2的表达逐步增强（P＜0.05）。COX-2的表达与其它临床病理特征，包括性别、年龄、肿瘤生长部位、肿瘤大小、有无区域淋巴结转移、有无远处转移无相关（P＞0.05）。COX-2低表达组与高表达组的生存时间有显著差异，前者生存时间较后者为长（P＜0.01）。结论：COX-2在食管癌中的表达高于正常食管粘膜。肿瘤浸润越深、鳞癌分化程度越低，COX-2的表达越强；COX-2的表达与食管癌患者的年龄、性别、肿瘤生长部位、肿瘤长度、有无区域淋巴结转移、有无远处转移均无关。COX-2的表达与食管癌术后患者的预后相关，COX-2呈低表达者的生存时间比COX-2高表达者长。     

Lymphatic invasion according to D2-40 immunostaining is a strong predictor of nodal metastasis in superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: algorithm for risk of nodal metastasis based on lymphatic invasion

In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus, D2-40 immunostaining has recently been used to detect lymphatic invasion, but invasion detected using D2-40 immunostaining for a predictor of nodal metastasis was controversial. Therefore, the usefulness of detecting lymphatic invasion by D2-40 immunostaining as a predictor of nodal metastasis was examined in superficial (mucosal and submucosal) SCC of the esophagus. A total of 115 superficial SCC of the esophagus were examined on immunohistochemistry using D2-40. It was found that lymphatic invasion demonstrated on D2-40 immunostaining was mainly detected in the lamina propria mucosa. Lymphatic invasion was found in 37 cases and the invasion detected in the entire tumor tissue was statistically correlated with nodal metastasis. Based on the lymphatic invasion according to D2-40 immunostaining, an algorithm was devised for the risk (low, intermediate and high) of nodal metastases in superficial SCC in the esophagus. In conclusion, the detection of lymphatic invasion on D2-40 immunostaining in tumor tissue is a strong predictor for nodal metastasis in superficial SCC of the esophagus. Lymphatic invasion was found mainly in the lamia propria mucosa, thus the devised algorithm is useful for determining the optimal treatment strategy after endoscopic mucosal resection for esophageal SCC.     

Endobronchial laser therapy — Differential therapeutic use and clinical value

Summary Endobronchial laser irradiation was performed on 27 patients with inoperable malignant (n=23) and benign (n=4) disease of the bronchial system for the treatment of recurrent pulmonary bleeding and recanalization of centrally obstructed or stenosed airways. The essentially palliative measure led in more than half the patients with hemoptysis to immediate and lasting hemostasis, in all patients with stenosis to complete or partial restoration of airway patency, and in 7 of 11 patients with total obstruction to a radiologically verifiable re-expansion of atelectasis. In the total of 58 laser treatments performed, complications occurred in three cases and were managed by conventional clinical measures. Successful recanalization in patients with pre-existing bronchial obstruction presupposes a short-segment, polypous tumor growth, intact bronchial wall structures, and short occlusion time. In addition to the treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent pulmonary bleeding, the principal use of endobronchial laser treatment in the future will probably concentrate on the palliative therapy of preocclusive stenoses of the trachea and main bronchi.     

Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the esophagus. Report of a case and its histochemical characterization

A case of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the esophagus was reported. A 54-year-old male patient had a tumor in the middle third of the esophagus. Barium swallow and endoscopic examination showed a protruding tumor with a shallow ulceration in its vertex. Histological examination of the surgically removed material revealed that it was largely confined to the submucosal layer, with no metastasis to lymph nodes. The tumor cells presented three distinct patterns: globular nest with irregular cystic spaces, trabecular nest, and true tubule. Electron microscopic study revealed no microvilli or triad along cystic spaces in the globular nests. Histochemical study disclosed that cystic spaces and interstitium were rich in glycosaminoglycans. The luminal surface of the true tubules of the tumor, on the other hand, was characteristically lined by sialomucins. The trabecular type-nests differed from the globular nests in showing GSA-II reactivity and containing abundant retinol-binding protein. These results indicate that the three patterns represented different differentiations of the tumor cells. Twenty-three cases of esophageal adenoid cystic carcinoma were found in the literature from 1950 to 1983 and discussed collectively.     

环氧化酶2在反流性食管炎和食管癌中的表达

目的 检测环氧化酶2(COX-2)在反流性食管炎和食管癌中的表达,探讨其与临床病理的关系.方法 应用免疫组化染色法检测并以计分法判定35例反流性食管炎胃镜活检组织、89例手术切除的食管癌组织和20例正常食管黏膜组织COX-2的表达.分析反流性食管炎中COX-2的表达与年龄、性别、不典型增生的程度和内镜下分级等临床病理的关系.分析食管癌中COX-2的表达与肿瘤部位、病变长度、浸润深度、区域淋巴结转移、远处转移、鳞癌分化程度等临床病理参数的关系.结果 COX-2在正常食管黏膜、反流性食管炎、食管癌中的表达率分别为60.00%、88.57%、94.38%,且食管癌组着色最强、正常食管组着色最弱.反流性食管炎中,COX-2的表达与不典型增生呈正相关(r,=0.490,P<0.01);食管癌中,COX-2的表达与肿瘤浸润深度呈正相关(rs=0.215,P<0.05),与鳞癌细胞分化程度呈负相关(rs=-0.427,P<0.01).COX-2的表达与其它临床病理参数,包括性别、年龄、反流性食管炎内镜下分级、食管癌生长部位、大小、区域淋巴结转移、远处转移无关.结论 COX-2在正常食管黏膜、反流性食管炎、食管癌组织中的表达呈逐级上调的趋势.反流性食管炎不典型增生越严重,COX-2的表达越强;食管癌肿瘤浸润越深、鳞癌分化程度越低,COX-2的表达越强.     

Intestinal metaplasia is age related in Barrett's esophagus

The correlation among cellular characteristics of Barrett's esophagus, patient age, and malignant neoplasm is not well documented. This study, which describes a population of 66 patients with Barrett's esophagus spanning 1 to 80 years of age, analyzes the cellular constituents of their lesional tissues by endoscopic biopsy and histochemical and morphometric studies. Goblet cell metaplasia, identified in 50% (n = 14) of pediatric patients, increased significantly to involve 84% (n = 32) of biopsy specimens from adult patients with Barrett's esophagus. This increase was exponential by linear regression analysis (R2 = .64) between the ages of 5 and 29 years. Pediatric patients usually had 25 or less goblet cells per square millimeter of Barrett mucosa with no identifiable epithelial dysplasia or cancer; Nissen fundoplication lessened esophageal inflammation, but the Barrett mucosa persisted. Goblet cell metaplasia maintained a plateau (mean of 57 cells per square millimeter of Barrett mucosa) between the ages of 41 and 80 years. Dysplasia, in situ carcinoma, or invasive carcinoma was found in patients with Barrett's esophagus who were aged 41 years or older. This study demonstrates persistence of Barrett mucosa, increased incidence of goblet cell metaplasia, and predictable changes in goblet cell number with advancing patient age. The relationship between Barrett mucosa and malignant neoplasm remains uncertain, but the goblet cell may serve as a marker of disease chronicity in which setting neoplasia evolves.     

Incomplete intestinal metaplasia in the diagnosis of columnar lined esophagus (Barrett's esophagus)

To investigate the distribution and specificity of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in columnar lined esophagus (CLE), the authors reviewed biopsies of the hiatal hernia pouch (HHP) and esophagus from 17 patients with CLE (84 biopsies) and 10 controls (25 biopsies). The proximal margin of the gastric folds was used as an endoscopic landmark, corresponding to the gastroesophageal muscular junction (GEMJ). No biopsies obtained above the GEMJ in control patients showed columnar mucosa. No goblet cell metaplasia was seen in 21 biopsies of the HHP from patients with CLE or in 13 corresponding biopsies from controls. In contrast, alcian blue (AB) stains showed diffuse acid mucins in 3 of 21 biopsies of the HHP from patients with CLE and in 10 of 13 corresponding biopsies from controls, demonstrating that goblet cell metaplasia clearly distinguishes biopsies of CLE from the HHP (P less than 0.01), whereas small amounts of diffuse acid mucin on AB stains do not. IM evidenced by goblet cell metaplasia was frequently seen in biopsies only 2-3 cm above the GEMJ, and CLE was limited to that area in three patients, suggesting that the distal esophagus cannot be dismissed as a site for metaplastic and possibly premalignant mucosa. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed during the course of the study in one patient with only 5 cm of columnar mucosa above the GEMJ.