Reflux esophagitis as a possible risk factor in the development of pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Aims and background: To determine the role of reflux esophagitis in the development of pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in non-smoking and non-drinking patients. Methods: The study population consisted of 92 consecutive non-smoking and non-drinking patients with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and the larynx. As a control, a group of 125 lifetime non-smoking and non-drinking cancer-free subjects was selected. Results: Patients with pharyngolaryngeal cancer had a higher prevalence of reflux esophagitis than the control subjects (P <0.0001). Conclusions: Our results confirm that reflux esophagitis in itself is associated with an increased risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer.