Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
04:08
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Longitudinal Incision for Endoscopic Submucosal Excavation of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions
Published on: April 28, 2026
Multiple tiny ectopic sebaceous glands discovered throughout entire esophageal tract
Wei-Peng Wang1, Way-Shyan Wang, Yi-Chang Tsai
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Madou Branch, SinLau Hospital, 20 Lingtzulin, Madou Town, Tainan County 72152, Taiwan. weaponwang@gmail.com
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|January 2, 2009
Summary
This study reports a rare case of multiple tiny ectopic sebaceous glands found throughout the entire esophagus in a 45-year-old woman. No treatment was needed as the condition caused no symptoms or eating problems.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Histopathology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Ectopic sebaceous glands are rare in the esophagus.
- Sebaceous glands are typically found in the skin and pilosebaceous units.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with abdominal fullness.
- Endoscopy revealed over 100 tiny, yellowish, elevated lesions (<0.5 mm) throughout the esophagus.
- Mild superficial gastritis was noted in the stomach.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed lobules of cells with sebaceous differentiation covered by squamous epithelium.
- No inflammation, hair follicles, or malignancy were identified.
- Blood and serum tests were unremarkable.
Implications:
- The diagnosis was multiple tiny ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus.
- This rare esophageal finding requires no intervention if asymptomatic.
- Regular follow-up is recommended to monitor for changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
A sebaceous gland is a type of oil gland found almost all over the skin ( except palms and soles) and helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Most sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles. They generate and excrete sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the skin surface, thereby naturally lubricating the dry and dead layer of keratinized cells of the stratum corneum, keeping it pliable.
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
01:29Exocrine Glands: Unicellular and Multicellular Glands
Exocrine glands are classified as unicellular and multicellular. The unicellular glands are scattered single cells, such as goblet cells, found in the mucous membranes of the small and large intestines. On the other hand, multicellular exocrine glands develop as secretory sheets, like the internal lining of the abdomen or chest. Such secretory sheets release their secretions directly into the lumen of these organs. In addition, some multicellular glands have deep-seated secretory units to...
01:08Exocrine Glands: Methods of Secretion
Exocrine glands are those that release their secretions through ducts. Based on their mode of secretion, they can be classified into merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine.
Merocrine Secretion
Merocrine secretion is the most common type of exocrine secretion. The secretions are enclosed in vesicles and moved to the cell's apical surface, where the contents are released by exocytosis. For example, mucous, a watery secretion rich in the glycoprotein mucin, is a merocrine secretion. The eccrine glands...
Merocrine Secretion
Merocrine secretion is the most common type of exocrine secretion. The secretions are enclosed in vesicles and moved to the cell's apical surface, where the contents are released by exocytosis. For example, mucous, a watery secretion rich in the glycoprotein mucin, is a merocrine secretion. The eccrine glands...
01:20Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium
The glandular epithelium is made of one or more epithelial cells modified to synthesize and secrete chemical substances. Glandular epithelia can be classified based on cell number. Unicellular glands have individual secretory cells scattered across the epithelial monolayer. In contrast, multicellular glands consist of a hollow tubular duct attached to the cluster of secretory cells located in the deep pockets.
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
01:24Esophagus
The esophagus, a muscular conduit linking the pharynx and stomach, measures roughly 10 inches (25.4 cm) and sits behind the trachea. It remains collapsed when not swallowing. The esophagus follows a predominantly straight path through the thoracic mediastinum and enters the abdominal cavity through a diaphragmatic opening known as the esophageal hiatus.
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...