A Case of Ectopic Sebaceous Glands in the Esophagus

ABSTRACT

Most ectopic sebaceous glands have been reported in the organs of ectodermal origin such as the lips, oral cavity, salivary glands, nipples, palms & soles, and genitals. Ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus are extremely rare conditions, because esophagus is an organ of endodermal origin. Whether the histogenesis of these lesions are embryological misplacement or acquired metaplasia remains unclear. We report a case of ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy, with a brief review of the histogenesis. This case was followed up after 1 year. There were no significant changes, but the lesions had increased slightly in number compared with the last examination. When the number of lesions increase as in our case, acquired metaplasia is the most likely cause.