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 x 5.0 cm hypoechoic lesion. Chest computed tomography revealed a mass of size approximately 53 mm x 39 mm x 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.