A case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in esophagus after multiple cancer treatments of surgery and chemoradiotherapy

Surg Case Rep. 2022 Nov 4;8(1):205. doi: 10.1186/s40792-022-01560-0.

Abstract

Background: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) in the esophagus is extremely rare. Therefore, there are few reports of UPS in the esophagus (UPSE). We present a case of UPSE after multiple cancer treatments.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old man with a history of cancer treatment, including distal gastrectomy, transverse colectomy, and chemoradiotherapy, was diagnosed with an elevated lesion such as a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus by regular endoscopy. A boring biopsy was performed, and the specimen showed features of sarcoma. The patient underwent a partial esophagectomy without lymph node dissection. Histopathological findings confirmed an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Adjuvant therapy was not administered, and the patient survived without recurrence 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions: Currently, complete resection is the only treatment option for UPSE. An optimal treatment strategy using chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be established.

Keywords: Cancer treatment; Esophagectomy; Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.