Esophageal leukoplakia: a rare cause of white patches in esophagus with malignant potential.

Abstract

A white patch within the oral cavity, termed as oral leukoplakia, is a premalignant condition, with risk for progression to squamous cell carcinoma. An analogous condition in the esophagus is termed as esophageal leukoplakia. The malignant potential of esophageal leukoplakia is unknown despite its association with squamous cell carcinoma in few cases. On endoscopy, these lesions appear similar to those in the oral cavity, featuring well-demarcated white patches or plaques. A 75-year-old male was referred to us for evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed esophagitis, and a well-demarcated white plaque in lower third of esophagus (Fig. 1), consistent with esophageal