The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Objective: Helicobacter pylori can cause chronic infection that has been linked to the development of both benign and malignant disease of the aerodigestive tract. The purpose of this study was to determine the link between H pylori infection and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL). Methods: We estimated the presence of IgG antibodies against H pylori antigens by using ELISA technique in the sera of 26 patients with SCCL and 32 matched controls without carcinoma of the larynx. Results: The incidence of seropositivity of patients with SCCL was 73.07% and of controls was 40.62%. These data support an etiologic role for H pylori infection on development of SCCL (χ 2 = 4.85, P< 0.05). Conclusion: H pylori infection of the upper aerodigestive tract might result in mucosal disruption, allowing for subsequent transformation by known carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:520-1.)