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Updated: May 10, 2026
06:46
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Relationship between reflux and laryngeal cancer
Andrés Coca-Pelaz1, Juan P Rodrigo, Robert P Takes
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
Head & Neck
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) may cause laryngeal disorders. However, evidence does not support a causal link between reflux and laryngeal cancer due to confounding lifestyle factors and diagnostic issues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are linked to laryngeal disorders.
- Laryngeal cancer patients often have lifestyle risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, which also increase reflux risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the current literature on the relationship between reflux and laryngeal cancer.
- To determine if a causal relationship exists between reflux and laryngeal cancer, beyond mere association.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and critical analysis of existing studies.
- Examination of epidemiological data and etiological factors.
Main Results:
- Current evidence is insufficient to establish a causal role for reflux in laryngeal cancer development.
- Confounding factors, particularly tobacco and alcohol consumption, obscure a direct causal link.
- Inaccuracies in reflux diagnosis present a significant challenge in establishing causality.
Conclusions:
- A causal relationship between reflux (GERD/LPR) and laryngeal cancer remains uncertain.
- The influence of lifestyle factors and diagnostic limitations necessitates further research.
- Current data suggests an association rather than direct causation.
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