Squamous papilloma of the proximal oesophagus associated with an inlet patch: a potential aetiological relationship

Squamous papillomas are rare benign lesions that can be found in the oesophagus. It has been theorised that irritation of the esophageal mucosa leads to squamous papilloma formation. There is evidence to suggest that squamous papillomas of the distal oesophagus are related to irritation due to reflux of gastric acid. In this case report, we describe for the first time a squamous papilloma of the upper oesophagus located just distal to an inlet patch. Inlet patches consist of gastric mucosa located in the proximal oesophagus. They are capable of producing acid. This case raises the possibility that just as squamous papillomas of the distal oesophagus may be related to acid exposure from the reflux of gastric acid, squamous papillomas of the proximal oesophagus may be related to acid exposure from the locally-produced acid of inlet patches.