Solitary esophageal metastasis of breast cancer after 11 years: a case report

Abstract

A patient with dysphagia and a history of breast cancer 11 yr ago was admitted to the hospital. A tumor presumably originating from the esophagus was detected. It could not be surgically removed and biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient received radiotherapy and chemotherapy consisting of etoposide, adriamycin, and cisplatin. An unexpectedly good response was achieved and the possibility of metastatic breast cancer was reinvestigated. Biopsy specimens showed positive estrogen and progesterone receptor staining. Tamoxifen treatment was started. The patient is well after 5 yr following relapse. Solitary esophageal metastasis of breast cancer is a rare event, especially after a remission period lasting more than a decade. Dysphagia in breast cancer patients should raise the suspicion of metastatic disease as well as esophageal cancer and benign strictures.