There are many types of benign esophageal tumors; many are found incidentally, remain asymptomatic, and warrant only observation. Some can cause swallowing symptoms and rarely ulceration or bleeding.
Evaluation typically is that of dysphagia (see Dysphagia Evaluation Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. The condition results from impeded transport of liquids, solids, or both from the pharynx to the stomach. Dysphagia should not be confused with globus sensation... read more ), beginning with a barium esophagram or upper GI endoscopy (with or without endoscopic ultrasonography). Once a lesion is visualized, tissue samples can be obtained with upper endoscopy. A CT scan may be helpful in some cases.
Generally, treatment is recommended when patients become symptomatic.
Leiomyoma, the most common, may be multiple and can become large. Depending on its size and location, the tumor can be excised or enucleated. Endoscopic submucosal dissection and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery Thoracoscopy and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Thoracoscopy is a procedure in which an endoscope is introduced to visualize the pleural space. Thoracoscopy can be used for visualization (pleuroscopy) or for surgical procedures. Surgical... read more (VATS) have increasingly replaced open thoracotomy in many cases, thus reducing operative morbidity. With treatment, this tumor usually has an excellent prognosis. Esophageal papillomas and granular cell tumors, although rare, may become malignant and their complete endoscopic removal is recommended.
