Esophageal lipoma presenting as a paraesophageal omental hernia in a 68-year-old man: Report of a case

Abstract

A case of esophageal lipoma resembling a paraesophageal omental herniation is described herein. A 68-year-old male with symptoms of epigastric gas pains was noted. A barium swallow examination showed a large mass in the lower esophagus, which could move up and down along the esophagus easily and intermittently. Computed tomography scan of the chest and upper abdomen demonstrated a mass with fatty like density at the lower thoracic esophagus. A left posterior-lateral thoracotomy was performed. Histological examination revealed large mature lipocytes and lipoma of the esophagus was diagnosed. Diagnosis and treatment of lipoma of the esophagus were discussed. Lipomas of the esophagus are extremely rare benign tumors with an overall incidence of only 0.4%[1]. The leading clinical presentations of esophageal lipoma included dysphagia, mass regurgitation and signs of compression of the tumor. Preoperative diagnosis can be confirmed by CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasonography. The present report describes a patient who suffered from an esophageal lipoma with symptoms of epigastric gas pains with a burning retrosternal sensation, which resembling a paraesophageal omental herniation. We also discuss the associated diagnosis and treatment of lipoma of the esophagus.