Benign intramural schwannoma of the oesophagus: a diagnostic pitfall

Abstract

A 33-year-old man underwent resection of a benign intramural schwannoma of the oesophagus. Similar clinicopathological and immunohistological features prompted a review of an earlier case initially diagnosed as a S-100 negative leiomyosarcoma. This stained positive using a new S-100 immunohistochemical antibody (Dako, Trappes, France). The frequency of these extremely rare tumours may be higher than initially thought. Pitfalls for the surgeon are highlighted and attention is brought to a recent consensus.

Benign intramural schwannoma of the esophagus –

“…Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy is not always useful for diagnosis, as in our cases [ 1 ]. The value of frozen section is limited, and it can lead to diagnostic pitfalls [ 6 ].…”

“…Surgical excision of the tumor is the method of choice, because chemotherapy and radiotherapy are ineffective. The option of enucleation is recommended when: the tumor is well encapsulated, a clear margin is achievable, and there is sufficient redundant mucosa to close the defect [ 6 ]. In our case we removed the tumor without damage to the mucosa.…”

Primary Sinonasal Meningioma in a Child

“…Complete excision of a schwannoma is curative. 18 It is possible to enucleate the tumor with part of the esophageal mucosa and close the injured esophageal mucosa and the muscle layer without reconstruction. Hamoir et al reported enucleating a CES as large as 8 cm.…”