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Living with Esophageal duplication cyst

A rare birth difference in which a fluid-filled cyst forms next to the esophagus.

Understanding Esophageal duplication cyst

Esophageal duplication cyst is a rare birth difference in which a cyst grows alongside or attached to the esophagus.

The cyst is usually near the lower part of the esophagus and may or may not open into it. Most people develop symptoms. These can include trouble swallowing, a dry cough, chest pain, or poor growth. Other symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat, upper back pain, and fever, have also been reported.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary describes:

  • Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Dry cough
  • Chest pain
  • Poor weight gain (failure to thrive)
  • Upper back pain
  • Fever

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests show where the cyst is and how large it is?
Does the cyst need surgery?
Which specialists should be involved in care?

Quick facts

Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD does not name a specific gene.

GeneticGastrointestinal

Also known as: duplication cyst of esophagus

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Esophageal duplication cystGARD ID 19744 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Esophageal duplication cyst.

Explore the Esophageal duplication cyst blog

Explore research for Esophageal duplication cyst

Explore actively recruiting Esophageal duplication cyst studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Esophageal duplication cyst with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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