Tracheoesophageal fistula in the patient with lymphoma: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) occurs only rarely in the patient with lymphoma. Two cases are presented to illustrate the challenges in managing TEF in this patient population. Most of the 38 previously reported cases have occurred in patients who have undergone radiation therapy, although several patients have had TEF as an initial manifestation of lymphoma. TEF is usually, but not universally, associated with the presence of active lymphoma. The surgical approach should be individualized, based on the patient's overall condition, the site and size of the fistula, and sites of disease. Often a conservative surgical approach is warranted with the expectation that many of these fistulas will close after radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Patients with lymphoma-related TEF have a better prognosis than do those with TEF caused by carcinoma of the lung or esophagus.