Dysphagia Caused by Submucosal Tumor-Like Esophageal Cancer: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive and globally prevalent malignancy that rarely presents as submucosal tumor-like lesions, leading to significant diagnostic challenges. We present two examples of primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in which complete intramural invasion mimicked submucosal tumor-like lesions. Initial biopsies suggested benign hyperplasia; however, subsequent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Both patients received appropriate treatment and showed favorable outcomes. The histopathological feature of intramural esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by growth confined within the esophageal wall without mucosal epithelial invasion, represents an exceedingly rare and complex pattern. The diagnostic challenges presented by this form of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma highlight the critical role of detailed histopathological examination, with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration being indispensable for accurate diagnosis and effective management of submucosal tumor-like lesions.