Esophageal xanthoma--report of two new cases and review of the literature

J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2011 Dec;20(4):431-3.

Abstract

Background: Esophageal xanthoma is a very rare lesion which can be incidentally discovered during endoscopy. Only eleven cases have been reported, including ours.

Case reports: We present two new cases of esophageal xanthoma localized in the lower esophagus in a 56-year-old woman and a 62-year-old man. Endoscopically, esophageal xanthoma appears as yellowish granular spots or a slightly elevated lesion. Microscopically, it consists of fat accumulation in foamy histiocytes beneath the squamous epithelium.

Conclusions: The clinical and pathological importance of these lesions and what they mean in patients is discussed, along with a review of the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biopsy
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Esophageal Diseases / metabolism
  • Esophageal Diseases / pathology*
  • Esophageal Diseases / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Xanthomatosis / metabolism
  • Xanthomatosis / pathology*
  • Xanthomatosis / surgery

Substances

  • Biomarkers