Submucosal Extension with Spherical Appearance of Esophageal Carcinoma into Gastric Cardia

Clinico-pathologic Study of Four Cases

Abstract

Four cases of the primary esophageal carcinoma with large submucosal tumor in the gastric Cardia which was recognized radiographically as peculiar lesion with a spherical appearance are presented. Histological examinations disclosed that the submucosal tumor is derived from direct extension of the esophageal carcinoma, regardless of its size, downward into the gastric cardia through either the submucosa or the muscularis. The submucosal tumor further protrudes to the cardial lumen, forms small ulcers on the surface covered with the mucous membrane, and terminates in large central ulceration. The patients having the ulcerated submucosal tumor are characterized by gradually increasing anemia.