Asphyxiation caused by giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus

Giant fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus are rare, benign, "tumorlike" lesions that typically present as large pedunculated growths arising in the cervical esophagus. The predominant histologic component of these lesions is variable, often resulting in misdiagnosis. Clinically, these polyps present with nonspecific symptoms and are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until they are significant in size. Diagnosis is best made by upper endoscopic evaluation; surgical excision is the definitive treatment. Although rare, asphyxia resulting from obstruction of the glottis is the most serious complication. We describe a case of asphyxiation caused by laryngeal occlusion by a giant esophageal polyp and we provide a review of the literature.