Heterotopic Sebaceous Glands in the Esophagus: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Heterotopic sebaceous glands (HSG) are one of the rarest benign lesions discovered on endoscopy. Treatment is currently not recommended given the benign and asymptomatic presence of these lesions. We present a case of an elderly male patient who presented with symptoms of throat itching, cough, phlegm, and altered taste found to have esophageal dysmotility in the setting of multiple, diffuse HSGs in the esophagus. HSG was confirmed on histopathological examination. Functional esophageal studies revealed spastic motility of the esophageal body, poor clearance of liquids, and impaired distensibility of upper and lower esophageal sphincters. Our case illustrates that they may be responsible for symptoms and may be associated with impaired esophageal function. HSGs do not require surveillance endoscopy or treatment. They should be considered in the differential diagnosis of yellowish elevated lesions in the esophagus.