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Balloon cytology in screening of asymptomatic alcoholics for esophageal cancer, part I

Digestive Diseases and Sciences volume 30, pages 845–851 (1985)Cite this article

Abstract

We assessed the feasibility of using balloon cytology to screen an asymptomatic group of alcoholics at increased risk for esophageal cancer. The results indicate that this group can be studied with minimal morbidity and that useful material can be obtained in 85% of subjects. Keratinization was present in 68% of specimens and fungus was noted in 9%. Individuals with moderate to large amounts of keratinization consumed significantly more alcohol than those without cytologic evidence of keratin. We speculate that keratinization and fungus may represent markers of enhanced malignant potential in this population.

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Affiliations

  1. Medical Service (Sections of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease), Pathology Service and Alcohol Dependence Treatment Program, V.A. Medical Center, 10468, Bronx, New York

    M. A. Korsten MD, T. M. Worner MD, L. Feinman MD, S. Shaw MD & Q. Federman MD

  2. Mount Sinai School of Medicine (CUNY), New York, New York

    M. A. Korsten MD, T. M. Worner MD, L. Feinman MD, S. Shaw MD & Q. Federman MD

Authors
  1. M. A. Korsten MD
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  2. T. M. Worner MD
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  3. L. Feinman MD
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  4. S. Shaw MD
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  5. Q. Federman MD
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Korsten, M.A., Worner, T.M., Feinman, L. et al. Balloon cytology in screening of asymptomatic alcoholics for esophageal cancer, part I. Digest Dis Sci 30, 845–851 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01309515

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01309515

Keywords

  • Public Health
  • Alcohol
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Malignant Potential
  • Minimal Morbidity