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.