Giant schwannoma of upper esophagus requiring esophagectomy

Esophageal schwannoma is rare and it is difficult preoperatively to confirm a diagnosis, even using current imaging techniques. We present a 30-year-old woman with progressive dysphagia for six months. Chest imaging showed an upper mediastinal mass (right paratracheal region). Computed Tomography (CT) showed a soft tissue mass in tracheoesophageal groove with compression of esophageal lumen. Peroperatively, esophageal mass became evident. Esophagectomy was necessitated because of large size of the tumor, mucosal involvement (endoscopic finding) and lack of definitive preoperative diagnosis. Subsequently a colonic bypass was done. The patient had no postoperative complications.