We investigated the relation of oral and maxillofacial cancer to upper gastrointestinal fiberscopic findings and evaluated the value and reliability of gastrointestinal fiberscopy (GIF). Sixty-two patients with oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma were examined by GIF in consultation with an internist.
The results were as follows:
1. The incidence of upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients with oral and maxillofacial cancer was higher than that in the general population.
2. There was no relation between the region or the stage of squamous cell carcinoma and the incidence of upper gastrointestinal lesions.
3. There were 6 cases (9.7%) of double cancer. There were also many precancerous lesions, such as esophageal dysplasia (3 cases, 4.8%), Barret's mucosa (3 cases, 4.8%), atrophic gastritis (26 cases, 41.9%), and intestinal metaplasia (9 cases, 14.5%). Four cases of active peptic ulcer (6.5%) were also found.
4. The incidence of esophageal lesions in patients with smoking and drinking habits was significantly higher than that in patients without smoking habits, drinking habits, or both.
In conclusion, it is important to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract of patients with oral and maxillofacial cancer by GIF not only to screen for double cancers but also to detect precancerous lesions and active peptic ulcers.