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Esophageal
leiomyomas, although rare, are the most common benign intramural tumours
of the esophagus.They represent 10% of all gastrointestinal leiomyomas.
Age- Usually occurs in middle aged and
elderly patients, presenting with dysphagia and heartburn.
Site- Distal
third of esophagus.
Tiny 'seedling leiomyoma' is a common incidental finding at the
cardioesophageal junction,in autopsy cases.
Gross-
The tumour arises from the smooth muscle coat of the esophagus as a
sessile or pedunculated , polypoidal, exophytic intraluminal solid,
grayish white whorled cut surface. Focal calcification is sometimes
noted. Secondary ulceration may be present.
Rarely the tumour presents as a lobulated extramural mediastinal mass.
Microscopic features- The tumour, like in other sites, is composed of interlacing bundles of
smooth muscle cells. The cells are smooth
muscle actin and desmin positive.
Features indicating malignancy-
-Tumour size more than 5cm in diameter
- Mitosis more 5 per 10 HPF
-Presence of necrosis and haemorrhage
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