What is esophageal squamous papilloma?

Esophageal papilloma is a benign polyp-like tumor of the squamous epithelium. The incidence rate is not high, approximately 0.01 to 0.05 percent. It can affect both men and women, and is more common in the elderly. There are no special circumstances at the beginning, and it is relatively hidden, with symptoms such as bloody stools and difficulty swallowing. So, what is esophageal squamous papilloma?

This disease is rare with vomiting as the main symptom, and patients often discover it accidentally during gastroscopy due to stomach diseases.

The cause of esophageal papilloma is unknown, but it is currently believed to be related to the following factors:

1. Mucosal damage

Gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, mechanical operation, etc. often cause esophageal papilloma. Esophageal papilloma is common in the distal 1/3 of the esophagus, which is most severely affected by these lesions. Esophageal papilloma has been reported to occur as a result of endoscopic injury, chronic esophageal foreign body impaction, repeated dilation of a narrowed esophagus with a bougie, and surgical trauma. Many esophageal papilloma pathological examinations show evidence of inflammation.

2. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

HPV has a high affinity for human squamous epithelium. Some people have found evidence of HPV infection in the hyperplastic esophageal mucosa. However, the HPV detection rates in esophageal papilloma reported by different authors are inconsistent, and some authors report that HPV is negative. Therefore, the exact relationship between HPV and esophageal papilloma needs further study.

3. Genetic factors

Some people believe that esophageal papilloma is related to genetic factors. For example, congenital skin diseases and Gohze syndrome may be associated with esophageal papilloma. Patients with abnormal karyotypes and O-raf-1 gene deletions may have multiple polyps of the gastrointestinal tract, including esophageal papilloma.

4. The result of multiple factors

Currently, most people believe that esophageal papilloma is the result of the combined action of multiple factors, namely the presence of harmful chemicals and chronic irritation, combined with HPV infection, the two of which act synergistically. This view is accepted by most people. However, the exact pathogenesis needs further study. Because papilloma has the potential to become malignant, it should be treated aggressively. Small tumors can be removed endoscopically or by laser resection, while larger tumors require local resection through the esophagus.

Patients should exercise more to improve their resistance, eat a light diet, avoid fried foods, maintain a regular schedule, quit smoking and drinking, and avoid staying up late. Do not eat moldy or spoiled food, and do not eat overheated or scalded food. It is best to drink tea and porridge below 50℃. Drink uncontaminated water. Eat more fruits and vegetables to increase your vitamin C intake.