We report here the case of a 46-year-old man in whom a large tumor was detected in
the lower third of the esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed that the
tumor originated in the muscularis mucosae and that the submucosa was intact.
The tumor was a leiomyoma, which is one of the benign tumors frequently observed growing
intramurally, and which is usually located in the lower esophagus [1]
[2]. Although the lesion was approximately 4 × 4 × 2 cm in size (Figure [1]), and was initially regarded as too large for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR),
it was decided to treat it using EMR, based on the EUS findings and normal laboratory
tests [3]
[4]
[5]. The tumor was successfully resected, and the mucosal defects were repaired by applying
six clips (Figure [1 c]). The patient tolerated the procedure well, and made a good recovery. The resected
specimen was 2 cm thick, covered with esophageal mucosa, and had smooth contours and
a whitish color.
Figure 1 A well-vascularized submucosal tumor with a smooth surface, detected in the lower
third of the esophagus. a Endoscopic findings. b After endoscopic mucosal resection. c Closure of the mucosal defect using clips. d The appearance of the site 6 weeks after resection
If accurate EUS information is available, EMR may be a feasible method of managing
esophageal tumors, even when they are up to 4 cm in size. The mucosal defect can be
immediately repaired using the clipping technique, with clips applied to the anal
and oral ends of the defect.
