Oesophageal carcinoma--a report of two cases and review of literature.

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumour of the oesophagus that arises from the mucosa. It mostly comprises of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction. It is a relatively uncommon finding.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this case report is to demonstrate two cases of oesophageal carcinoma seen at the gastroenterology unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin.

CASE REPORT: Two cases of oesophageal carcinoma were seen in the last three years. Two Nigerian males of ages 60 and 69 years respectively presented at our centre with a history of progressive dysphagia initially for solids but later involved liquids, and odynophagia. There was associated history of recurrent regurgitation and weight loss. However there was no heartburn, epigastric pain, abdominal swelling, haematemesis or malena. There was significant history of cigarette smoking and intake of alcohol. Barium swallow done, showed shouldering and distal rat tail appearance of the oesophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a mass in the oesophagus with evidence of malignant tumour, occluding the lumen of the oesophagus making it impossible to intubate the stomach. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen taken at endoscopy showed adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus.

CONCLUSION

Oesophageal carcinomas are rare findings in Ilorin, Nigeria.