Breast carcinoma metastatic to the esophagus: clinicopathological and management features of four cases, and literature review.

Abstract

Dysphagia due to esophageal metastases from primary breast carcinoma is an unusual entity. In this series of cases, we describe the clinical features of dysphagia due to metastatic esophageal lesions in four patients (with a primary diagnosis of breast cancer made 8-22 yr previously). We provide the first endoscopic ultrasound characterization of metastatic lesions to the esophagus from breast carcinoma. Endoscopic management of these strictures with both bougienage and balloon dilation techniques resulted in esophageal perforation in three of our four patients. We believe that endoscopic ultrasound is helpful in the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer to the esophagus. However, endoscopic dilation of these strictures should be done gently and only after other treatment options have been carefully considered.