Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Extraesophageal Malignancies: A Systematic Review and
Yu-Si Xu1, Zhe-Ran Chen1, Yan Bian1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Background/Objectives:
The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and extraesophageal malignancies remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the relationship between GERD and these cancers.
Methods:
PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting risk estimates-risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), or standardized incidence ratios (SIRs)-of GERD and extraesophageal malignancies. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies with available risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also included. Pooled estimates with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.
Results:
As of 21 May 2025, a total of 37 studies were included in the analysis. GERD was significantly associated with an increased risk of several extraesophageal malignancies, including pharyngeal cancer (pooled RR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.38-3.02), with a particularly high risk observed for hypopharyngeal cancer (RR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.99-4.37; I2 = 60.24%). Elevated risks were also identified for laryngeal cancer (RR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.41-3.52) and lung cancer (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01-1.42). No significant association was found between GERD and colorectal cancer (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.68-2.09), and findings regarding oral cancer were inconsistent across studies. Six MR studies confirmed a positive causal relationship between GERD and lung cancer, while one MR study suggested a potential causal association with oral cancer and another with pancreatic cancer.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that GERD may be a significant risk factor for pharyngeal, laryngeal and lung cancers. Appropriate evaluation and surveillance in patients with GERD may be warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Other Disorders of Digestive System

