Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Rare Tumor

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of esophagus is a rare tumor with about 20 cases reported worldwide. It can involve the salivary gland, esophagus, stomach, thymus, thyroid, breast, lung, uterus, cervix, urinary bladder, and the skin. Its association with Epstein Barr virus has been postulated. We report the case of a 45-year female who had been treated for hepatitis C and esophageal tuberculosis and recovered fully from these conditions. She presented with dysphagia of 2-3 month duration. Endoscopic examination revealed narrowing of the esophageal lumen with a fungating mass at the lower end of esophagus with no extension into the stomach. A CT scan confirmed a mass at the lower end of esophagus with multiple enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Histological and immunohistochemistry of esophageal biopsy sample showed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma. She was managed with chemotherapy comprising of capecitabine, epirubicin and cisplatin followed by esophagectomy and made full recovery.