Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the oesophagus: case report and literature review

Oesophageal cancer corresponds to a malignant neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Neuroendocrine tumors of the esophagus are very rare, accounting for less than 2%. When clinically manifested by permanent, progressive dysphagia and general impact, they usually correspond to locally advanced tumors with a poor prognosis. We present the case of a 45-year-old man who attended medical attention for persistent and progressive dysphagia, who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the oesophagus. The diagnosis was reached through endoscopy, revealing an extensive, vegetative and stenosing lesion occupying three-quarters of the oesophageal circumference. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated small cell malignancy with positive immunohistochemistry for chromogranin A and synaptophysin. In light of the diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the oesophagus with locaregional extension, stage IV, palliative treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy was proposed, with a survival of only 6 months.