Oesophageal Carcinoma - a Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

ABSTRACT

Background: Oesophageal carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumour of the oesophagus that arises from the mucosa. It mostly comprises of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction. It is a relatively uncommon finding. Objective: The objective of this case report is to demonstrate two cases of oesophageal carcinoma seen at the gastroenterology unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; Ilorin. Case report Two cases of oesophageal carcinoma were seen in the last three years. Two Nigerian males of ages 60 and 69 years respectively presented at our centre with a history of progressive dysphagia initially for solids but later involved liquids; and odynophagia. There was associated history of recurrent regurgitation and weight loss. However there was no heartburn; epigastric pain; abdominal swelling; haematemesis or malena. There was significant history of cigarette smoking and intake of alcohol. Barium swallow done; showed shouldering and distal rat tail appearance of the oesophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a mass in the oesophagus with evidence of malignant tumour; occluding the lumen of the oesophagus making it impossible to intubate the stomach. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen taken at endoscopy showed adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Conclusion: Oesophageal carcinomas are rare findings in Ilorin; Nigeria