evaluation of esophageal leiomyoma and report of 4 cases

leiomyoma of the esophagus is rare, but it is the commonest among the benigh tumors of the esophagus. among 95 cases of esophageal tumors, there was just 4 cases of leiomyoma (3 were females and 1 was male) and this is contrary to the reports already published. main symptoms of esophageal leiomyoma include: disphagia, pain and hematemesis from the above mentioned cases 1 tumor was in the thoracocervical zone, 1 in the middle third and the other 2 in the lower 3rd of the esophagus. tumors were single. the youngest patient aged 30 and the eldest aged 60 years. radiography of the esophagus (barrium meal) is the best diagnostic method, in which a round, characterized defect is seen. ultrasonic endoscopy and ct-scan are useful too, but biopsy is not recommended. from the above-mentioned patient, 2 cases under went esophagectomy and in the other 2, the tumor was excised itself. there wasn't any mortality in the procedure