What is the evidence that gastroesophageal reflux is involved in the etiology of laryngeal cancer?
OBJECTIVE
To review recent literature on the possible mechanisms and role of gastroesophageal reflux in the etiology of laryngeal cancer, in patients with and without the accepted risk factors of smoking and alcohol consumption.


RESULTS
A recent systematic review was not conclusive. The issue remains a popular one for small-scale clinical surveys, when different inclusion criteria and a range of diagnostic tests are used.


CONCLUSIONS
After three decades of interest, there is still no unequivocal evidence for the role of reflux in the etiology of laryngeal cancer, whether in smokers or in nonsmokers.
Wilson
Janet A
JA
Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK. j.a.wilson@ncl.ac.uk
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D007830:Larynx / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology
D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases