Respiratory distress in a child caused by lipoma of the esophagus.

A 6-year-old girl with a 2-year history of respiratory distress is described in this report. On investigation, a mass occupying the proximal half of the esophageal lumen, which was causing compression of the mediastinum, was found. It was removed surgically by a thoracic approach. On histological examination it was confirmed to be a lipoma of the esophagus. The child had an uneventful postoperative course. English-language literature on lipoma of the esophagus is reviewed briefly.