A 42-year-old woman presents with dysphagia to solids, glossitis, and koilonychia. Barium swallow shows an esophageal web in the upper esophagus. Her hemoglobin is 8.8 g/dL with MCV 66 fL. This patient has an increased long-term risk for which malignancy?
- A Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus ✓
- B Adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus
- C Gastric carcinoid tumor
- D Adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia
Correct answer: A. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Explanation
The triad of iron deficiency anemia, glossitis, and upper esophageal web defines Plummer-Vinson (Paterson-Kelly) syndrome. The web and mucosal atrophy are associated with an increased incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper esophagus, so these patients warrant surveillance. Adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus is linked to Barrett esophagus from GERD, not to iron deficiency webs.
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.