Foreign body reaction mimicking a second primary tumour of the oesophagus

Abstract

AbstractObjective:To present a significant complication of pharyngolaryngeal reconstruction, which resulted in diagnostic confusion as it mimicked a second primary tumour of the head and neck.Methods:Case report and review of the world literature.Case report:A 61-year-old man developed a granulomatous foreign body reaction, mimicking a second primary tumour, at the distal end of a salivary bypass tube, following pharyngolaryngectomy and reconstruction using a tubed anterolateral thigh flap. Clinically and radiologically, this was felt to represent a second primary tumour of the oesophagus, but biopsies revealed full thickness inflammation of the mucosa and granulation tissue. Repeat oesophagoscopy two weeks after removal of the tube showed complete resolution.Conclusion:No record of an oesophageal foreign body reaction to a Montgomery salivary bypass tube has previously been reported in the world literature. This report highlights the potential for such a lesion to cause diagnostic confusion with a second primary tumour.