The radiological features of primary small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare neoplasm. The incidence was 2% in our series. A primary lung tumor must be excluded before the diagnosis can be made. Two cases of primary small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus are presented. The radiological features of this tumor are nonspecific. Its unusual histological appearance is described. One patient had received radiotherapy for breast carcinoma 21 years earlier and the possible relationship of this type of cancer to radiotherapy has not been previously described in the literature. Each patient had a short-term response to therapy.