Inclusion Cyst of Esophagus: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cysts that involve the esophagus, account for 10 to 15% of all primary masses of the mediastinum and, although rare, are probably the second most common benign esophageal tumor, with leiomyoma being by far the most usual [1, 2]. Esophageal cysts are classified according to their embryological site of origin, into inclusion cysts (lined by squamous or columnar epithelium, sometimes ciliated), retention cysts also called mucoceles (arising from cystic dilatation of submucosal glands), and developmental or duplication cysts (of esophageal, bronchial, or gastric origin) [2, 3]. We report a rare case of inclusion cyst of esophagus, located in the upper portion of the organ, with symptoms of dysphagia and drown sensation. We describe a 41 year-old man, who was referred to a gastroenterologist with a history of dysphagia, regurgitation, drown sensation, repeated pharyngitis, pain in the sternal region and left hemithorax, for the last five months. The patient did not have any history of peptic ulcer, esophagitis, vomiting, anorexia, loss of weight or of systemic disease. The physical examination revealed a well-developed patient with no apparent distress. The rest of the physical examination was noncontributory. Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy using a flexible esophagoscope (Olympus GIF-N300) demonstrated a polyp-like, smooth mass, covered by normal overlying mucosa, in the proximal third of the esophagus (Fig. 1), near the upper sphincter of this organ, 1 cm of diameter. Excision of the mass was performed by a polypectomy snare loop. Multiple esophageal biopsies were taken.