Swiss researchers videotaped the laryngopharyngeal area in patients who were undergoing upper endoscopy for various indications. Later, the videotapes of 132 patients who had esophageal erosions consistent with GERD were examined systematically for erythema, edema, and other laryngopharyngeal abnormalities. Among 10 distinct laryngopharyngeal sites that were examined for abnormalities, only the posterior pharyngeal wall was more likely to appear abnormal in GERD patients than in controls (66% vs. 50%). Inspection of the other nine sites — including all laryngeal sites — found no differences between GERD patients and controls.
Does this close the debate on whether larnygeal cancer is more prevalent in GERD patients than in those who don't have GERD? Not necessarily. One gastroenterologist says this study still leaves open the possibility that they will eventually identify laryngeal lesions that are more specific for acid reflux injury than for other laryngeal irritants.
Related Information:
Laryngeal Cancer Defined
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