[Fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus]

Fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus account for 0.5-1% of all esophageal tumors. These are usually pedunculated lesions that originate below the upper esophageal sphincter. Etiology is unknown. Histological examination typically shows a fibrovascular stroma, which is covered by non-keratinizing squamous epithelium. Seventy-five percent of all patients are male, and are usually between 40 and 70 years of age. Most fibrovascular polyps cause few but non-specific symptoms. Occasionally they are regurgitated into the oral cavity and may then give rise to choking episodes and even fatal aspiration. Fibrovascular polyps are best diagnosed by endoscopy and/or radiography. Differential diagnosis includes carcinoma and intramural myoma. Once diagnosis is made, surgical removal, is indicated by either transoral or lateral cervical approaches. With adequate treatment prognosis is excellent.