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.