Esophageal squamous papilloma lacks clear clinicopathological associations

AIM To determine the prevalence of esophageal squamous papillomas (ESPs) in a tertiary teaching hospital and to assess for any clinical associations, including relations with esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). METHODS Data from a total of 6962 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies over a five year period were retrospectively obtained and analysed. RESULTS ESP was found in sixteen patients (0.23%). Eight (50%) patients had a high body mass index, seven (44%) had history of cigarette smoking. Reflux esophagitis was found in four (25%) patients. All ESPs were solitary with a mean endoscopic size of 3.8 mm and located in the mid to lower esophagus. Human papilloma virus (HPV) was tested in three (19%) patients and was negative. Esophageal SCC was found in seven patients (0.10%) during the same period. None of the specimens were tested for HPV, and none had associated papillomatous changes. CONCLUSION ESP is an uncommon tumour with unclear clinical associations and malignant potential.