Association of hook worm infestation with post cricoid carcinoma

During the period of August 1986 to April 1989 we had seen 50 cases of postcricoid carcinoma. Out of that, 10 cases had sideropenic dysphagia. Six patients [4 females and 2 males] of postcricoid carcinoma had hookworm infestation while rest of the four patients had other causes of iron deficiency anaemia. By timely diagnosis and treatment of infestation, pre-malignant changes can be reverted and malignancy avoided. The number of patients studied is however small which may be open to criticism but this definitely shows a trend. However, further large studies are needed