'Coughing up a tonsil' - oesophageal leiomyoma

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Esophageal leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors, typically asymptomatic and located in the distal esophagus.
• Sudden airway obstruction is a rare but critical presentation for upper airway masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of an upper esophageal leiomyoma presenting as acute airway obstruction.
• To highlight the diagnostic considerations for unusual oral masses following forceful emesis.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical intervention, and histological confirmation.
• Review of relevant literature on esophageal leiomyomas and airway emergencies.

Main Results:

• A large upper esophageal leiomyoma was identified as the cause of airway compromise.
• Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma.
• Surgical excision was successful, with an unremarkable post-operative recovery.

Conclusions:

• Upper esophageal leiomyomas can present atypically with life-threatening airway obstruction.
• Clinicians should consider esophageal leiomyoma in the differential diagnosis of unexplained oral masses and airway emergencies.
• Prompt surgical management is effective for symptomatic esophageal leiomyomas.