Ten year survival after excision of squamous cell cancer in Zenker's diverticulum: report of a case

• Main Authors: Boni Luigi, Rovera Francesca, Sessa Fausto, Dionigi Gianlorenzo, Carrafiello Gianpaolo, Dionigi Renzo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-03-01
• Series: World Journal of Surgical Oncology
• Online Access: http://www.wjso.com/content/4/1/17

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) has been increasingly recognized as a site of primary epithelial malignancy. Pitt in 1896 described the first case.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Between 1990 and 2005, 30 patients affected of esophageal diverticulum were referred to our Department.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The pathological results revealed one case of squamous cell carcinoma. On follow-up 10 years after diverticulectomy alone, the patient was alive and well without evidence of recurrence.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our case reported provides additional data on clinical decision when the tumor is well localized without full-thickness penetration or extension to the line of resection. In this patient, long-term survival and apparent disease control have been effected by diverticulectomy alone. A case of such long survival is very rare.</p>