Giant liposarcoma of the esophagus: A case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Sep 7;21(33):9827-32. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i33.9827.

Abstract

Liposarcomas rarely develop in the aerodigestive tract. Here, we present a primary esophageal liposarcoma that was discovered between the T3 and T7 levels of the esophagus during right pleural exploration of a 51-year-old male patient. The patient had presented with non-specific symptoms, including progressive dysphagia over the previous 6 mo, without complaints of chest or epigastric pain, regurgitation, or weight loss. A radical three-hole esophagectomy was performed. The tumor was extremely large (14 cm × 7.0 cm × 6.5 cm), but completely encapsulated. Upon histological examination, the tumor was diagnosed as a giant, well-differentiated esophageal liposarcoma with a dedifferentiated component. Non-specific radiological and endoscopic results during the clinical work-up delayed diagnosis until post-operative histology was performed. In this report, the clinical, radiological and endoscopic diagnostic challenges specific to the case are discussed, as well as the surgical and pathological findings.

Keywords: Achalasia; Esophagectomy; Esophagus; Liposarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biopsy
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Esophagectomy
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liposarcoma / chemistry
  • Liposarcoma / pathology*
  • Liposarcoma / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Burden*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor