Endoscopic resection of benign esophageal schwannoma:Three case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Esophageal schwannomas are uncommon esophageal submucosal benign tumors and are usually treated with surgery.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report three cases of middle/lower thoracic esophageal schwannoma treated successfully with endoscopic resection.These lesions were misdiagnosed as leiomyoma on preoperative imaging.During the endoscopic resection of such tumors,there is a risk of esophageal perforation due to their deep location.If possible,submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection should be used.CONCLUSION For larger schwannomas,endoscopy combined with thoracoscopy can be considered for en bloc resection.We performed a mini literature review in order to present the current status of diagnosis and treatment for esophageal schwannoma.

Thoracoscopic resection of a large lower esophageal schwannoma:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Esophageal schwannomas originating from Schwann cells are extremely rare esophageal tumors.They commonly occur in the upper and middle esophagus but less frequently in the lower esophagus.Herein,we report a rare case of a large lower esophageal schwannoma misdiagnosed as a leiomyoma.We also present a brief literature review on lower esophageal schwannomas.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old man presented with severe dysphagia lasting 6 mo.A barium esophagogram showed that the lower esophagus was compressed within approximately 5.5 cm.Endoscopy revealed the presence of a large submucosal protuberant lesion in the esophagus at a distance of 32-38 cm from the incisors.Endoscopic ultrasound findings demonstrated a 4.5 cm×5.0 cm hypoechoic lesion.Chest computed tomography revealed a mass of size approximately 53 mm×39 mm×50 mm.Initial tests revealed features indicative of leiomyoma.After multidisciplinary discussions,the patient underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic partial esophagectomy.Further investigation involving immunohistochemical examination confirming palisading spindle cells as positive for S100 and Sox10 led to the final diagnosis of a lower esophageal schwannoma.There was no tumor recurrence or metastasis during follow-up.CONCLUSION The final diagnosis of esophageal schwannoma requires histopathological and immunohistochemical examination.The early appropriate surgery favors a remarkable prognosis.

Total removal of a large esophageal schwannoma by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Primary schwannoma is a rare submucosal tumor of the esophagus,which is most often benign,and surgery is the only effective treatment.So far,only a few cases have been reported.Herein,we reported a single case diagnosed with primary esophageal schwannoma that was totally removed by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(STER).CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old man presented to the hospital with a history of resection of a malignant gastric tumor and mild dysphagia.Endoscopic examination revealed a large submucosal elevated lesion in the esophagus 25-30 cm from the incisors.Endoscopic ultrasonography detected a 45 mm×35 mm×31 mm hypoechoic lesion;chest computed tomography showed a mass of approximately 55 mm×35 mm×29 mm.A preliminary examination showed features suggestive of a stromal tumor.Pathological findings indicated esophageal schwannoma.Next,STER alone was performed to completely resect the mass,and the patient recovered well post-surgery.Afterward,the patient was discharged and showed no tumor recurrence at 33 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION Endoscopic resection is still an effective treatment for large esophageal schwannomas(>30 mm)under meticulous morphological evaluation.