A 34-year-old woman presents with fatigue, glossitis, koilonychia, and difficulty swallowing solids. Barium swallow shows a web in the upper esophagus. Which additional complication is she at increased risk of developing?

• A Adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus
• B Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus ✓
• C Celiac axis lymphoma
• D Plasmacytoma of the cervical esophagus

Explanation

The triad of iron deficiency anemia, upper esophageal web, and glossitis defines Plummer-Vinson (Paterson-Kelly) syndrome. It carries an increased incidence of postcricoid squamous cell carcinoma, which is the classic examined association. Adenocarcinoma is linked to Barrett esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux, a different entity entirely. The webs themselves are benign but warrant surveillance because of this malignant potential.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.