Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus

Giant fibrovascular polyps are uncommon benign esophageal tumors almost always originating from the cervical esophagus, frequently from the upper esophageal sphincter. The case of a 74-year-old man with a long history of dysphagia and a weight loss of 9 kg is presented. Neither barium esophagogram, computed tomogram or magnetic resonance imaging correctly evidenced the lesion. Only fiberoptic endoscopy suggested the correct diagnosis because the mass fluctuated endoluminally with the spasm of vomiting. A left cervical exploratory incision with esophagotomy was performed following the experience of two previous similar cases. A giant fibrovascular polyp was observed and excised. If a malignant or benign extensive intramural tumor had been identified, a total esophagectomy would have been performed. In our opinion the possibility of the presence of a fibrovascular polyp should always be considered in the presence of an undetermined esophageal mass, and in these cases a left cervical incision is the preferred surgical access. Once the correct diagnosis is established, a major esophageal resection should always be avoided.