Superficial undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of the esophagus showingan interesting growing pattern in histology

We report a case of superficial undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of th e esophagus. The histology of the tumor was interesting; there was squamous cell differentiation within the epithelial layer and undifferentiated smal l cells growing within the submucosal layer. The tumor had a negative Grime lius reaction, suggesting no differentiation into a hormone-producing carci noma known as an apudoma (Amine Precursor Uptake and Decarboxylation (APUD) ). The serum levels of ACTH and calcitonin were within normal limits. As th e patient was elderly and had a history of pleural tuberculosis causing poo r pulmonary function, and owing to the fulminant nature of this carcinoma, he underwent blunt dissection of the esophagus by posterior mediastinal gas tric pull-up. The patient recovered quickly and was able to be discharged w ith a good quality of life until the tumor recurred as a liver metastasis 6 months later.