Primary Esophageal Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Case Report With a Review of Presentation, Treatment, and Survival.

Characterized by early lymphatic metastasis, aggressive growth, and a weak prognosis, small cell esophageal carcinoma (SCEC) lacks established standard treatment guidelines. This report discusses SCEC by case study and includes a relevant literature review. A 66-year-old male was diagnosed with SCEC through computed tomography (CT), esophagoscopy, and pathological examination, presenting with multiple mediastinal lymph node metastases at diagnosis. The patient underwent chemotherapy, receiving 120 mg/m2 etoposide (D 1-3) and 60 mg/m2 cisplatin (D 1) every 4 weeks. Dysphagia improved significantly and the mediastinal lymph node size was reduced after 4 cycles. However, lymph node enlargement recurred after 8 cycles, and the patient could no longer tolerate chemotherapy. Subsequently, the patient was arranged to be administered radiotherapy (54 Gy). The patient has completed 10 radiotherapy sessions and survived 8 months post-diagnosis, continuing treatment. Early initiation of chemoradiotherapy is recommended for patients with locally advanced SCEC.