Ectopic sebaceous glands in the oesophagus: a case report and review of literature.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Most ectopic sebaceous glands have been reported in the tissues of

ectodermal origin. However, there are relatively a few reports of ectopic

sebaceous glands in the oesophagus, an organ of endodermal origin. CASE

PRESENTATION: We report the case of an asymptomatic 54-year-old man with ectopic

oesophageal sebaceous glands. These lesions were incidentally observed in the

distal oesophagus during screening endoscopy of gastric neoplasm and confirmed by

histologic analysis. CONCLUSION: Surveillance or resection with regard to ectopic

sebaceous glands in the oesophagus is generally not required since there is no

known malignant potential. However, anti-reflux treatment may be sometimes

needed, if such symptoms are present in patients. Also, these lesions should be

differentiated from other pathologic lesions of oesophagus that need to be

treated. Thus, greater attention of endoscopists is required for detection and

differential diagnosis of these lesions. The narrow-band imaging mode and/or

endoscopic biopsy may be helpful.