Inflammatory pseudotumor of the esophagus

Inflammatory pseudotumors of the esophagus are uncommon. They pose diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas, especially when located in the cervical esophagus. History and physical examination are rarely contributory. Routine radiologic investigations including barium swallow and computed tomography only raise the suspicion of a benign esophageal neoplasm. Esophagoscopy and biopsy do not provide a definite diagnosis, as these 'tumors' are frequently submucosal, unless they enlarge sufficiently to cause mucosal ulcerations. Endoscopic ultrasonography may accurately localize the tumor but is not diagnostic. Conservative surgical resection or debulking would be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Steroids, cyclophosphamide and low-dose radiotherapy may at best be considered second-line therapy. One such case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the cervical esophagus is presented and the relevant literature is reviewed. Our patient could not be diagnosed on preoperative investigations and required an esophagotomy with frozen section. We debulked the mass and the patient is asymptomatic 6 months after surgery.