[Role of alcoholism in the development of upper gastrointestinal tumors]

A preliminary report on the results of studies on the relationship between alcohol abuse and upper gastrointestinal tumours is presented. Alcohol abuse was measured with the aid of a questionnaire. GGTP and mean MCV were determined. Within the 1st September, 1986--30th September, 1987, 75 patients with the cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract and 107 patients with benign lesions to this area were examined. Alcohol abuse was found in 33% of patients with the cancer and 19% of patients with benign lesions to the upper gastrointestinal tract. This difference is statistically significant (p greater than 0.05). The results of GGTP and MCV values were statistically insignificant in both groups. The authors have found more marked correlation of alcohol abuse with the cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract in relation to the oral cavity and pharynx than the stomach. Further studies including larger groups of patients are recommended.