A rare case of giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus

Discussion

Fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus are rare benign tumor-like lesions, accounting for approximately 1% of all esophageal benign tumors.1 There are more than 100 cases reported in the literature so far. Fibrovascular polyps greater than 5cm in maximal diameter are defined as a giant FP. Usually these polyps arise from the cervical esophagus, inferiorly to the cricopharyngeal muscle, and this area has also been termed as the Laimer-Haeckermann triangle (also known as the Laimer’s triangle),2 which reveals their trend to prolapse into the mouth causing the characteristic “regurgitation of a fleshy mass”. Because the disease has no symptoms at the early stage, the lesions often can grow very large when it was found. Dysphagia, vomiting, chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, hoarseness, throat discomfort, weight loss, and respiratory symptoms are the most frequent complaints of patients with FP.3 They may also present as regurgitated masses into the mouth, and can cause laryngeal occlusion and subsequent asphyxiation if the polyp is large enough in size.4,5

For purposes of diagnostic investigation, barium double-contrast examination of the esophagus is commonly used, which shows a sausage-shaped mass with multiple filling defects. Endoscopy visualizes an intraluminal mobile mass covered with normal mucosa, emerging from the upper esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasonography may be useful, since it provides information on a diameter of a polyp, as well as its vascularity at insertion point. At CT, fibrovascular polyps can manifest different degrees of attenuation values according to the proportions of fibrous and adipose tissues. The mainstay of treatment once diagnosis is achieved is resection, which is necessary in view of the potential risk of respiratory compromise, bleeding, and the debilitating symptoms. It is worth noting that atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) and FP symptoms are very similar, but ALT is a rare, low-grade malignant neoplasm.6 Malignancy cannot be excluded preoperatively and excision is the approach to get definitive diagnosis.

There are 2 options: surgery or endoscopic resection, based on the size, the location of the stalk’s base, its mobility, and the vessels that nourish it. The FP less than 2 cm can be removed by endoscopic resection. But those larger than 5 cm usually require open surgical resection, because of the thick vascularized pedicle.7 In most cases, the left-sided cervical is the preferred approach. If the lesion is huge, a thoracotomy or a laparotomy may be necessary. A recurrent giant FP patient underwent several surgeries via a combination of endoscopic, trans-oral, trans-cervical, trans-thoracic and trans-abdominal approaches.8 If the diagnosis is not clear or the lesion cannot be completely removed through the simple esophagostomy, esophageal resection may be necessary. The recurrence of FP after resection within years is very rare, so patients should undergo CT and endoscopic surveillance for several years.8

In conclusion, giant fibrovascular polyps are uncommon benign neoplasms of the esophagus and its recurrences are more uncommon. Resection is recommended in view of potential deadly complications. Endoscopic resections, open surgery via trans-cervical, trans-thoracic, or trans-abdominal approaches have been used. Investigations should aim to identify the pedicle’s origin and the bulk of the polyp before operation, to aid in the planning of the surgical approach.