Successful Treatment of Extensive Esophageal Squamous Papillomatosis With Cryotherapy

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.

Gastrointestinal: Distal esophageal squamous papillomatosis in a healthy 47-year-old man

A 47-year-old man with a background history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and seasonal asthma underwent a gastroscopy for further investigation. Endoscopy revealed numerous polypoid lesions diffusely distributed in the lower third of the esophagus, with histology revealing squamous papilloma with occasional intraepithelial lymphocytes. The diagnosis was esophageal squamous papillomatosis (ESP), which is a rare condition characterized by exophytic and circumferential projections with friable mucosa diffusely spread through the esophagus with unclear etiology and malignancy risk.

Esophageal papillomatosis: an exceedingly rare disease

If esophageal papilloma (EP) is a rare condition, esophageal papillomatosis (EPS) is a distinct rarity. To date, only 53 well documented cases have been described in English literature. However, the number of reports on EPS significantly increased to over 40 cases during the past 20 years. Perhaps, this is due to the broad use of endoscopy and related research achievements. Most of the cases are individual and it seems that there are no associations between them. And up to now no guidelines can be followed. To further understand this exceedingly rare disease, we had a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, treatment, and clinical course of EPS.

Oesophageal squamous papilloma: a rare finding on oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy with malignant potential

Oesophageal squamous papillomas (OSPs) are rare epithelial lesions, recognized to be benign but with reported malignant potential. We report a case of a 40-year-old female with chronic vomiting, subsequently found on oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy to have two mid-oesophageal sessile polyps, the largest of which measured 10 mm. These were endoscopically resected with histopathology confirming an OSP without evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. The case under consideration reports the current literature on OSPs regarding their aetiology, malignant potential and optimal management.

Diffuse Esophageal Squamous Papillomatosis: A Rare Disease Associated with Acanthosis Nigricans and Tripe Palms

Acanthosis nigricans with tripe palms is one of the skin manifestations of systemic conditions, as well as internal malignancy. There have been reports of this paraneoplastic condition's association with orocutaneous papillomatosis, but investigations into its relationship with diffuse esophageal papillomatosis are scarce. We report a case of acanthosis nigricans with tripe palms that was associated with diffuse esophageal squamous papillomatosis. A 40-year-old Thai woman with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary Sjögren's syndrome, who was recently diagnosed with acanthosis nigricans and tripe palms was investigated for occult gastrointestinal malignancy. An upper GI endoscopy revealed diffuse squamous papilloma along the entire esophagus and lower GI endoscopy revealed one pedunculated hyperplastic polyp 1 cm in size at the sigmoid colon. Long-term follow-up is needed to reassure these coexisting conditions belonging to benign systemic diseases without hidden malignancy.