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Introduction: Malignant tracheo-esophageal stula (TEF), a relatively uncommon entity, can be seen in advanced esophageal cancer. However, development of TEF in these patients whether due to advancement of disease or due to medical intervention like radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy is a matter of debate. Here, we reported two cases of malignant TEF in advanced esophageal carcinoma. The rst patient was 46-year-old male, with progressive dysphagia diagnosed a Case Summary: s middle thoracic esophageal cancer, squamous cell type. Patient was managed with palliative RT 39 Gy/13 fractions. Within 1-month of RT completion, patient developed TEF and succumbed to death. The other one was 54-year-old male presented with history of progressive dysphagia and diagnosed as having upper thoracic squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. He was given palliative RT 20 Gy/4 fractions. Unfortunately, this patient also developed TEF on rst follow-up and despite best efforts patient declared dead in ICU. These two ca Conclusion: ses showed that treating oncologist should be aware of potential TEF occurrence in cases of advanced esophageal cancer treated vigorously. As, management of established TEF is cumbersome, precaution should be taken to prevent it. Further case reports and series with different management approach will enlighten about standard protocol in management of such patients.
Prajwal et al. (Mon,) studied this question.