PAPILLOMATOSIS OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Esophageal papillomas are rare. Both local irritation as by gastroesop hageal reflux and infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) have been implicated as etiological factors. We here describe a 28-year-old fem ale patient with massive esophageal papillomatosis, The clinical cours e has been mild, with signs of regression after a 3 1/2-year observati on period. An extensive evaluation showed no predisposing diseases, an d test results for HPV using sensitive methods were negative despite h istological features suggesting virus infection and concomitant pharyn geal papillomas that are known to be caused by HPV. This case underlin es the incomplete understanding of the etiology of this disease.