Leiomyoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND: Leiomyoma is a benign tumor rarely occurring in the esophagus. Only 1% of esophageal tumors are leiomyomas. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old man underwent surgery for an asymptomatic tumor of the thoracic esophagus. The tumor was enucleated via right thoracotomy a nd histology confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. Outcome was favorable. DISCUSSION: Leiomyomas of the esophagus generally develop from the muscular is and exceptionally from the muscularis mucosae, producing a parietal tumo r or a pediculated endoluminal tumor respectively. Surgery is indicated for all cases, with the possible exception of asymptomatic leiomyoma. Enucleat ion can be achieved by videothoracoscopy. Resection of the esophagus can be discussed if enucleation is impossible for giant tumors, or ring tumors at the esogastric junction, or if the mucosae wound cannot be repaired. Endos copic resection is indicated for pediculated leiomyoma. Malignant transform ation is exceptional but an association between esophageal myomatosis and c arcinoma of the esophagus is possible. Certain authors thus advocate resect ion for all cases, even small asymptomatic leiomyomas.