Neoplasm of Esophagus
A neoplasm is a type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissue. The process that occurs to form or produce a neoplasm is called neoplasia. The growth of a neoplasm is uncoordinated with that of the normal surrounding tissue, and persists in growing abnormally, even if the original trigger is removed. This abnormal growth usually forms a mass, when it may be called a tumor.
Classification of Neoplasm of Esophagus
- Benign neoplasms:
- Benign neoplasms are rare compared to malignant ones. Leiomyoma is the most common and accounts for two thirds of all the benign neoplasms.
- It arises from the smooth muscle and grows in the wall of esophagus.
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Dysphagia is produced when tumor exceeds the diameter of 5 cm. Barium swallow shows an ovoid filling defect.
- Endoscopy reveals a submucosal swelling. Biopsy should not be taken.
- Treatment is enucleation of the tumor by thoracotomy. Mucosal polyps, lipomas, fibromas and hemangiomas are other benign tumors.
- They are often pedunculated and present in the esophageal lumen. Endoscopic removal is avoided because of the danger of esophageal perforation. Treatment is surgical excision by esophagostomy.
- Carcinoma esophagus
- Incidence of esophageal carcinoma is high in China, Japan, USSR and South Africa.
- In India, it constitutes 3.6% of all body cancers in the rich and 9.13% of those in the poor.