Esophageal Leiomyoma and Simultaneous Overlying Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Background: </jats:bold>Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common epithelial tumor of the esophagus. Upper endoscopy with multiple minimally invasive biopsies should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Leiomyoma of esophagus is rare, but it’s the most common benign submucosal mesenchymal tumor of the esophagus. The simultaneous occurrence of an overlying epithelial lesion and a mesenchymal lesion is very rare. This study aims to show a case operated due to squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus that was postoperatively diagnosed with coexistent esophageal leiomyoma and provide a clear overview of the existing literature on it. <jats:bold>Case presentation:</jats:bold> The patient was a 41-year-old lady who underwent three field esophagectomy (McKeown). In reviewing the pathology slides, the patient had poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and also multiple leiomyomas. A leiomyoma was coexisted with an invading overlying squamous cell carcinoma. <jats:bold>Conclusion: </jats:bold>It is concluded that esophageal carcinomas may coexist with leiomyomas; preexisting benign tumors may have played an important role in the development of carcinoma by inducing constant stimulation of the overlying mucosa; endoscopic ultrasonography is recommended to avoid overestimating the extent of tumor invasion and the resultant aggressive radical surgery; and esophageal resection is still the modality of choice in treatment in developing countries and also countries with limited equipment.</jats:p>