Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus: a potential diagnostic dilemma

Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2013 Nov 28;7(3):498-502. doi: 10.1159/000357303. eCollection 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma associated with human papillomavirus. We report the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with ongoing symptoms of dysphagia. On previous endoscopies she had been noted to have a large polyp-like mass involving the esophagus, with negative biopsies for malignancy. Repeat endoscopy with concurrent endoscopic ultrasound showed a large semi-pedunculated polyp in the distal esophagus and a hypoechoic, irregular mass involving the gastroesophageal junction with esophageal thickening. Deep layer biopsies showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with immunohistochemical staining positive for human papillomavirus. The patient was subsequently treated with chemo-radiation followed by esophagectomy.

Keywords: Esophagus; Human papillomavirus; Verrucous carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports