Giant Polypoid Tumor of the Esophagus

Abstract

A patient with a giant polypoid tumor of the esophagus, measuring 22 cm in length is described in this report. The patient presented with cough attacks and respiratory distress. Diagnostic and therapeutic intervention required aggressive airway management, radiographic and endoscopic evaluation, and definitive surgical treatment. Benign esophageal tumors are rarely seen and originate from the upper third of esophagus, frequently close to the cricopharyngeus muscle. They may attain giant proportions. A variety of clinical presentations are described, the most serious being asphyxia secondary to laryngeal obstruction [1]. We observed a giant esophageal tumor which was interpreted as angiofibromyolipoma that caused laryngeal obstruction. We present the clinical picture and histopathological findings of the tumor. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.