Palliative removal of a giant polypoid 'carcinosarcoma' of the oesophagus by YAG laser photocoagulation of the tumour stalk.

Dysphagia in a 79 year old lady was caused by a giant polypoid tumour in mid-oesophagus. Surgery was not appropriate. Shrinkage of the tumour and its eventual detachment were achieved by stopping its blood supply by YAG laser photocoagulation of the tumour stalk. Good, temporary palliation of the dysphagia was achieved.