A case of esophageal carcinoma due to esophageal squamous papillomatosis

Detection of Human Papillomavirus in Squamous Papilloma of the Esophagus

Introduction: The etiology of esophageal squamous papilloma (ESP) is largely unknown. Previous studies have shown a variable association with human papillomavirus (HPV) with conflicting data. The aim of this study was to further investigate the possible association of HPV in our ESP series using RNA in-situ hybridization (ISH) and compare study groups from the United States of America and China. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of patients with ESP were retrieved from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) (1/2016-3/2019) and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) (9/2014-3/2019) pathology databases. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reexamined. Confirmed cases were examined by high- and low-risk HPV RNA ISH. Results: For the UCLA cohort, 13 429 upper endoscopies were performed and 78 biopsies from 72 patients were identified as ESP (F:M = 45:27, 66.7% > 45 years). Seventy-four (94.9%) biopsies were designated as polyps or nodules and 46.6% were located in the mid-esophagus. Other abnormal findings included gastroesophageal reflux disease (48.6%), hiatal hernia (38.9%), and esophagitis (36.1%). For the PUMCH cohort, 63 754 upper endoscopies were performed and 73 biopsies from 71 patients were identified as ESP (F:M = 48:23, 71.8% > 45 years). Sixty-four (87.7%) biopsies were designated as polyps or nodules and 57.5% were located in the mid-esophagus. Other abnormal findings included esophagitis (19.7%), and hiatal hernia (8.5%). No features of conventional cytologic dysplasia or viral cytopathic change were found. None of the cases was associated with squamous cell carcinoma, and none showed positive HPV RNA ISH results. Conclusions: No association was found between ESP and active HPV infection in our 2 cohorts. Other etiopathogenetic mechanisms, such as aging, might contribute to the development of these innocent lesions.

Esophageal Squamous Cell Papilloma: A Report of Three Cases

Esophageal squamous papilloma (ESP) is a rare benign tumor. ESP is generally detected incidentally during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which is usually performed to investigate dyspepsia. We present three cases of this rare endoscopic finding. While two of our patients were asymptomatic, one had dysphagia, and the lesions were excised. Endoscopists should be able to make the differential diagnosis of papilloma detected in the esophagus and have knowledge about these lesions as they may carry malignant potential. Excision of papillomas is recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment.