Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Robotic Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma
Published on: February 20, 2026
Giant plexiform fibromyxoma of the esophagus
Paul Swatek1, Edin Ahmic2,3, Iva Brcic1
1Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Hyperbaric Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036, Graz, Austria.
Abstract:
Plexiform fibromyxoma is a very rare gastrointestinal tumor, usually located in the stomach, predominantly in the antrum region. There are some cases reporting the tumor location in the small intestine, whereas originating from the esophagus has been described only twice up to now. This is the first report of a fast growing and symptomatic giant esophageal plexiform fibromyxoma requiring transthoracic esophagectomy and reconstruction by gastric pull-up.A 73-year-old patient was admitted with the clinical symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, fever and weight loss for at least 2 months. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a giant mediastinal tumor measuring 11 × 7 × 7 cm with subsequent compression of the esophagus, the trachea and the heart. Endoscopy showed an ulcerated esophagus with signs of necrosis and obstruction of the esophageal lumen. A 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan detected a massive tracer uptake of this esophageal tumor suggesting malignancy.After discussion in the interdisciplinary tumor board transthoracic esophagectomy and reconstruction by gastric pull-up were performed. The patient fully recovered and was discharged on the 12th postoperative day. Contrary to the intraoperative frozen section indicating an esophageal sarcoma the final histopathological examination confirmed a giant esophageal plexiform fibromyxoma.
Related Concept Videos
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Esophageal Achalasia
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

