Endoscopic resection of benign esophageal schwannoma: Three case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Esophageal schwannomas are uncommon esophageal submucosal benign tumors and are usually treated with surgery. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we report three cases of middle/lower thoracic esophageal schwannoma treated successfully with endoscopic resection. These lesions were misdiagnosed as leiomyoma on preoperative imaging. During the endoscopic resection of such tumors, there is a risk of esophageal perforation due to their deep location. If possible, submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection should be used. CONCLUSION: For larger schwannomas, endoscopy combined with thoracoscopy can be considered for en bloc resection. We performed a mini literature review in order to present the current status of diagnosis and treatment for esophageal schwannoma.