A case of early esophageal carcinoma that resulted in metastasis to the mediastinal lymph node after endoscopic treatment

Abstract

A 70-year-old male underwent two separate endoscopic submucosal dissections for the treatment of two early esophageal carcinomas. Both dissections were pathologically diagnosed as curative resections. At 19 months after the first resection, the patient reported dyspnea.
Computed tomography (CT) revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy, which was suspected to be indicative of lymph node metastases of the esophageal cancer. The patient’s respiratory status was improved. Chemoradiotherapy, comprising 5-FU and CDDP with radiotherapy of 60 Gy, was administered. A significant reduction was observed in the metastasis to the mediastinal lymph node. Despite curative resections, the possibility of lymph node metastases was recognized, and it was important to carefully follow-up the patient.