Is there a role for flexible oesophagogastroscopy in upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma?
BACKGROUND
There is growing evidence to suggest that reflux (both laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal) has a role in the development of upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma. This study discusses the role of identifying reflux in this patient group, and its prevalence.


METHODS
Prospective review of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing flexible oesophagogastroscopy as part of their diagnostic investigation.


RESULTS
Forty-five consecutive patients were identified. All patients were found to have evidence of oesophagitis, with 28 having oesophageal erosions and two Barrett's oesophagitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible oesophagogastroscopy is a useful test in patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma.
Beech
T J
TJ
ENT department, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK. tjb690@hotmail.com
Trotter
M I
MI
McDermott
A L
AL
Mandal
W
W
Batch
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies