Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical esophageal adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor often associated with Barrett's esophagus, and its prevalence is lower than distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Upper esophageal malignancies are usually squamous cell carcinomata; about 5% of these cases are seen during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a patient (a 39-year-old Iranian man) with invasive adenocarcinoma of the proximal third of the esophagus, who was referred to the hospital with no endoscopic or histopathologic evidence of Barrett's esophagus. We discuss the probable cause of this tumor and treatment options and emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing this rare disease. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the rarity of this adenocarcinoma and emphasizes the potential of chemotherapy as a standalone treatment, as well as the need for personalized therapeutic strategies and further research for the management of esophageal cancer.