Background: Laryngeal cancer constitutes 26-30% of all head and neck malignant tumors. Chronic stimulation by acid reflux may lead to a malignant change in the laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Pepsin assay could be a rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic marker of extra-esophageal reflux (EES). Helicobacter pylori is involved in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma with growing interest in the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the upper aerodigestive tract.
Aim: The aim of the study is to confirm the role of H.pylori and pepsin as risk factors in laryngeal cancer patients.
Patients and Methods: Seventy-five patients were enrolled in this study, and divided into 3 groups; Group (A) 32 patients with suspected laryngeal malignancy. Group (B) 20 patients with benign laryngeal lesions. Group (C) 22 patients free from laryngeal disease, scheduled for non-laryngeal surgery. All patients were subjected to laryngo-pharyngeal lavage (LPL) using sterile water, before starting the surgical procedure and was analyzed for detection of Pepsin an H. Pylori, also culture for H. Pylori was done.
Results: Strong positive association exist between H. pylori and Pepsin and occurrence of laryngeal carcinoma, while there was no statistically significant relationship with occurrence of a benign laryngeal lesions.
Conclusion: GER is a risk factor or co-carcinogen in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma and not considered as a risk factor for benign laryngeal lesions. H. pylori culture and Pepsin assay in LPL can be used as non-invasive tool for detection of GER.