Angiolipoma of the esophagus: A rare clinical dilemma

Abstract

Benign tumors of the esophagus are a rare but diverse group of lesions. Although non-malignant in biology, their presence can cause significant morbidity, including dysphagia, bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, and even asphyxiation. Diagnosis is frequently made using radiographic and endoscopic means, even in the absence of definitive biopsy. If discovered early, endoscopic or minimally invasive techniques may be used to excise these lesions, with essentially 100% cure rates. However, if discovered late, open excision or even esophagectomy may be required. Angiolipoma represents perhaps one of the rarest of the benign entities to affect the esophagus, with only a few cases reported in the current literature. We present the case of an 85-year-old man who developed complete esophageal obstruction due to a large, pedunculated angiolipoma, requiring open surgical excision. © 2006 The Authors Journal compilation © 2006 The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.