E0217 - Sebaceous Glands in the Esophagus

Brian M. Fung, MD, Neil J. Shernoff, MD
University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ

Introduction: Sebaceous glands are small exocrine glands which secrete an oily substance called sebum. Derived from the ectoderm, they are generally found distributed over the body’s skin near hair follicles and are found most commonly on the scalp and face. Occasionally, sebaceous glands can also be found in other areas, including the eyes, palms, soles, genitalia, and parotid glands. However, the presence of sebaceous glands in endodermal organs is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of ectopic sebaceous glands found in the esophagus.

Case Description/Methods: A 45-year-old female presented to the gastroenterology clinic for chronic reflux and cough. She reported having these symptoms for several decades and received moderate symptom control with a proton pump inhibitor. Her past medical history was significant for asthma, and she denied having any prior surgeries. Her medications included a proton pump inhibitor and metoclopramide. She denies any tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or other recreational drug use, and family history was unknown. Her physical exam was unremarkable, and basic labs including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel were normal. To further evaluate her symptoms, she underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed numerous tiny non-scrapable off-white nodules in the mid- and distal esophagus. Cytology was negative for fungal organisms; however, biopsies revealed squamous mucosa with ectopic sebaceous glands.

Discussion: Ectopic sebaceous glands of the esophagus are an extremely rare finding. Found incidentally on endoscopy, it can look similar to candidiasis, xanthomas, or metastatic carcinoma, and thus biopsies should be taken to make a diagnosis. Although some patients have been noted to have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, ectopic sebaceous glands are thought to not have any clinical symptoms. Furthermore, the finding is benign and there is no known risk of malignant transformation.


Disclosures:


Brian M. Fung, MD, Neil J. Shernoff, MD. E0217 - Sebaceous Glands in the Esophagus, ACG 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Charlotte, NC: American College of Gastroenterology.