Primary Adenoidcystic Carcinoma of the Esophagus: Report of One Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract

The actual incidence of primary glandular carcinomas of the esophagus is difficult to ascertain. In the literature adenocarcinomas are often considered to represent about 10% of esophageal carcinomas. In everyday practice at the Dr. I. González Martinez Oncologic Hospital and upon reviewing other large series of esophageal carcinomas it becomes apparent that true authenticated primary esophageal adenocarcinomas are very rare. Most of the glandular tumors of the esophagus are located at the cardia, and one may assume that all in that location are derived from gastric glands. It is a well-known fact that many of these gastric glands may be encountered beneath the lowermost portions of the esophageal mucosa. In erosive esophagitis the gastric mucosa may grow up, covering the defect. Hamperl⁹ has suggested that the latter healing mechanism might be a source of adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus. These cases, if they occur, would actually be gastric carcinomas.