Photodynamic therapy and endoscopic metal stent placement for esophageal papillomatosis associated with squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous papillomatosis is a rare condition associated with human papilloma virus infection and has been complicated by the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy using porfimer sodium has been used for the treatment of esophageal cancer but has not been utilized in the treatment of esophageal squamous papillomatosis. We report here the first case of papillomatosis and obstructing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus palliated with porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy indicating successful photosensitizer uptake in papilloma-laden tissue. Extensive debulking of papilloma and tumor allowed esophageal recanalization and placement of a self-expanding metal stent for long-term dysphagia palliation. This unique case highlights the combined use of endoscopic techniques for optimal treatment results.