Endoscopy 1991; 23(1): 42-45
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1010606
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Two Cases of Endoscopically Identified Esophageal Cancer of the Superficial-Slightly Depressed Type

K. Takechi1 , J. Shiroko, E. Tomita, T. Takai, Y. Muto, Y. Ozeki2 , A. Onitsuka, K. Shimokawa3
  • 1The 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
  • 2The 1st Department of Surgery, Gifu University School, Gifu, Japan
  • 3The Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gifu University School, Gifu, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Summary

We experienced two cases of superficial type esophageal cancer. Case 1 was a 72-year-old man in whom endoscopic examination revealed a slightly protruded, partially reddened and faded area of irregular shape corresponding to 0-IIa + IIc (slightly depressed type) of the endoscopic classification of esophageal cancers. Macroscopically, it was a superficial, ill-defined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 2.5 × 2.4 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of a swelling type of stage 0. Case 2 was 55-year-old man. Endoscopic examination disclosed an almost roundish, smooth-surfaced, flat and dull red area corresponding to IIc (slightly depressed type). Macroscopically it was a superficial, semidefined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 1.0 × 1.0 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal, semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of stage 0.

To detect esophageal cancer at an early stage, the endoscopist needs to inspect the mucosa carefully. In case of males aged over 50, the endoscopist would be well advised to employ the dye-spraying method (Lugol staining method) at the endoscopic examination.