Mass next to esophagus

  I'm not sure I'm posting in the right area, nor do I want to be here,
  so please move my question to a more appropriate folder if necessary.
  I am 38 and had an MRI of the cervical spine a few weeks ago after
  having symptoms common to MS. Although the MRI did not find any lesions,
  it did pick up a mass in the T-4 area next to the esophagus,
  totally unrealated to my
  neurological symptoms. On the radiologist's advice,
  I had a CT scan (with contrast and with barium swallow)
  to further study it. His conclusion is that he's 95% sure it's been
  there since birth. It's about 3/4 inch long up against the right
  side of the esophagus. He called said it may be the beginnings of
  a second esophagus. If so, what is this condition called? I've
  never noticed any symptoms from it. Could it produce any in the
  future?
  If it's a tumor, what are the chances it would be malignant? Would
  this mean esophogeal cancer? I have never smoked and am relatively
  young. The radiologist said it would be very major surgery to
  remove it since they'd have to crack open my ribs. Isn't there
  something less invasive, even to biopsy it?
  The radiologist's advice is to wait for 6-12 months and get another
  CT scan to see if it has changed. Is that what you would prescribe?
  How worried should I be? I was worried enough about possible MS before,
  and I certainly don't want a cancer scare on top of that.
  Thank you for your help.
Dear Barbara,
Your description is consistent with a condition referred to as esophageal duplication. It is an abnormality which occurs during early embryonic development. Typically the duplication manifests itself as a cyst (fluid filled sac lined by different types of epithelium) which does not connect directly to the esophagus proper. It is usually located on the right side next to the lower esophagus. In 20 percent of cases, there are longer tubular structures with direct connections to the lumen of the esophagus. They can be multiple.
Clinical manifestations of esophageal duplication include: dyspnea (shortness of breath), dysphagia (difficult swallowing), stridor (high pitched upper airway noises) or persistent cough. Many duplications are spotted on routine chest x-rays and barium esophagram but more precise diagnosis is possible with CT, MRI or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
If symptoms are present treatment usually involves transesophageal needling or surgery. If no symptoms are present repeat scanning in 6-12 months is reasonable. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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