[Benign tumors of the esophagus (author's transl)]

Benign esophageal tumors are rare. Intraluminal and intramural tumors may be distinguished according to localization,--intramural leiomyomas occur most often. Retrosternal pain and dysphagia are the most frequent symptoms, rather often there are however no symptoms at all. X-ray examination and esophagoscopy should be applied for making a diagnosis, intramural tumors however may escape endoscopic diagnosis. Biopsies are indicated only, if mucosal alterations can be observed macroscopically. For final diagnosis the tumor has to be removed completely by surgery. In most cases this can be achieved by transthoracal enucleation, in special cases it may be necessary to remove part of the esophagus. Nine cases are reported.