Esophageal tuberculosis misdiagnosed as esophageal carcinoma

Esophageal tuberculosis (ET) is a rare clinical entity; the clinical features of this infection may be similar to the esophageal carcinoma. The differential diagnosis is very difficult and some cases may result in an unnecessary esophagectomy. We reported herein a 48-year-old man with symptoms of dysphagia and pectoralgia for one month. Our primary diagnosis was established as esophageal carcinoma and the patient underwent surgical therapy. Histopathological examination of the excised tumor lesion and lymph nodes showed epithelioid granulomas, Langhans’giant cells, caseous necrosis. No evidence of malignancy has been found. The Mantoux test revealed a positive reaction with 20 mm in diameter. Antituberculous treatment was given after operation. Clinicians should aware the features of ET and this rare disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of esophageal lesions.