[A case of leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus]

A 67-year-old woman was admitted on June 21, 1990 because of an abnormality on chest roentgenogram, a three-month history of palpitations on exertion, and a 2 kg weight loss. Chest roentgenogram revealed a huge mass in the posterior mediastinum. The results of needle aspiration cytology from the mass and celiac angiography were suggestive of leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus. The patient underwent tumor enucleation. The tumor originated from the lower-portion of the thoracic esophagus, measured 23 x 13 x 13 cm, and weighted 1110 g. The tumor was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma histologically. Esophageal leiomyosarcoma is a very rare malignant tumor. The present case had no history of dysphagia in spite of the large tumor size.