An obstructing large schwannoma in the esophagus

Abstract

Esophageal schwannoma is very rare neoplasm, which is difficult to diagnose by endoscopy or radiologic evaluations. The diagnosis is not confirmed until immunohistochemical tests are performed after a surgeon has resected the lesion. We present the case of a 65-year-old male patient with an esophageal schwannoma having a palpable neck mass and severe dysphagia. The postoperative pathological findings revealed a strong immunoactivity to S-100 protein but negative activity to smooth muscle actin and C-kit. These results support the characteristics of schwannoma in the tumor.