Development of early squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

A 56-year-old Japanese man with liver cirrhosis was admitted to Kyushu University Hospital in September, 1986 for the treatment of large esophageal varices. Endoscopy revealed four tortuous folds of large esophageal varices, extending proximally from the esophagocardial junction to 34 cm from the dental arch. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy was performed on the lower esophagus using 5% ethanolamine oleate, and esophageal varices were completely eradicated in 5 sessions with a total of 70 ml of sclerosant. In March 1991, 4 years and 6 months after the treatment, endoscopy revealed a mild redness and an irregular surface 33 cm from the dental arch. The histologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. The possible relationship between sclerotherapy and the development of esophageal carcinoma should be considered.