Rare esophageal carcinoma-primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the esophagus: A case report

BACKGROUND Esophageal adenoid cystic carcinoma (EACC) is an exceedingly rare malignant tumor of the esophagus, posing significant challenges in the clinic. CASE SUMMARY This report detailed the case of a 72-year-old male whose diagnosis of EACC was confirmed through postoperative histopathological examination. The patient underwent thoracoscopy-assisted radical resection of the esophageal tumor, coupled with lymph node dissection. Pathological findings revealed an adenoid cystic carcinoma infiltrating the entire layer of the muscularis propria, locally extending into the outer membrane of the esophageal fiber, involving the cardia and exhibiting no lymph node metastasis. The patient's condition was classified as primary EACC, T3N0M0, per the American Joint Committee on Cancer (2017; 8(th) edition). One month after surgery, the patient received postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy. CONCLUSION In addressing the rarity and high potential for biopsy misdiagnosis of EACC, this study delved into its diagnostic methods and treatment.