Correspondence to Author: Parveen Malhotra, Rahul Siwach, Bibin CF, Aditi, Avani Sharma, Abhishek Yadav, Onkardeep Kaur. 

Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India

DOI: 10.52338/jjogastro.2026.5462

Abstract:

Introduction: Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare cause of difficulty in swallowing called dysphagia and is not commonly seen in clinical practice. It may present as regurgitation of food, dysphagia, nocturnal cough or bad breath. In contrast, carcinoma oesophagus is common cause of dysphagia but dual dysphagia in combination of it with Zenker’s diverticulum is very rare.
Case report: A sixty-year-old man gave five months history of difficulty swallowing along with regurgitation of food after lying down, intermittently associated with sensation of food getting stuck in his throat. He also gave history of food stucking in lower part of chest The symptoms were prominent with solid food, and led to regurgitation of undigested food after few hours of ingestion of the same. On performing endoscopy, diverticulum was noted in upper oesophagus and completely obstructive ulcerated growth at gastro-esophageal junction. The biopsies from growth revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent Contrast enhanced computed tomography test which revealed pharyngeal outpouching seen from posterior wall of hypopharynx at C5-6 vertebral level projecting posterior left laterally- suggestive of Zenker’s diverticulum. He was advised surgical consultation but he preferred to go to some higher centre for the same and has not reported after that till date.
Conclusion: Our case reports emphasize the need of awareness among health care workers about rare phenomenon of dual dysphagia i.e. ZD with adenocarcinoma oesophagus. Hence, it proves that rare things rarely happen but do happen. The early and timely recognition of same can decrease morbidity and mortality associated with the same.

Keywords: Zenker’s diverticulum, Adenocarcinoma, Dysphagia, Regurgitation, Pharyngeal pouch, Endoscopy.

Citation:

Dr. Parveen Malhotra, Dual Dysphagia - Zenker’s Diverticulum With Adenocarcinoma Oesophagus. Japanese Journal of Gastroenterology 2026.