Esophagitis and cancer of the esophagus

Cancer. 1985 Aug 15;56(4):837-9. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19850815)56:4<837::aid-cncr2820560422>3.0.co;2-y.

Abstract

Early diagnosis is an important factor in the effort to increase the healing rates of esophageal cancer; another consideration is the establishment of a reliable method of identifying risk groups. Alcohol abuse is known to be associated with a higher risk of esophageal cancer. The current investigation, based on a retrospective study of the records of patients with esophageal cancer, reveals a strong connection between cancer development and chronic esophagitis due mainly to reflux in about 10% of the patients. In the literature this connection has been suspected but never so clearly shown. The clinical implication may be a more rigorous approach to long-standing esophagitis in elderly patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Esophagitis, Peptic / complications*
  • Female
  • Hernia, Hiatal / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk
  • Smoking