Proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma: A rare case report

Esophageal cancer, notably rare in the proximal esophagus, demonstrates poor outcomes despite advanced treatments. This case underscores the successful management of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma using chemoradiotherapy alone. A 65-year-old Mediterranean woman presented with severe dysphagia and was diagnosed with stage IVA T4b N0M0 esophageal adenocarcinoma. She achieved complete remission after chemoradiotherapy, evidenced by PET CT scans, without surgical intervention. This case highlights the rarity of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma and challenges the conventional treatment paradigm, emphasizing the potential of chemoradiotherapy as a standalone treatment in selected advanced cases. The complete response to chemoradiotherapy in this case of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma illustrates the need for personalized treatment strategies and further research into non-surgical options for esophageal cancer management. •Successful management of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma using chemoradiotherapy alone•Complete remission achieved without surgical intervention•Rarity of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma challenges conventional treatment paradigms•Case underscores need for personalized treatment strategies and research into non-surgical options•Chemoradiotherapy demonstrates potential as standalone treatment in selected advanced cases