page_title: Plummer–Vinson syndrome
section_title: Treatment
hierarchical_section_title: Plummer–Vinson syndrome / Treatment
caption_attribution_description: Ball-and-stick model of the L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) molecule, C6H8O6, as found in the crystal structure. X-ray diffraction data from J. Mol. Struct.: THEOCHEM (1997) 419, 139-154. Model constructed in CrystalMaker 8.1. Image generated in Accelrys DS Visualizer.
context_page_description: Plummer–Vinson syndrome is a rare disease characterized by difficulty swallowing, iron-deficiency anemia, glossitis, cheilosis and esophageal webs. Treatment with iron supplementation and mechanical widening of the esophagus generally provides an excellent outcome.
  While exact data about the epidemiology is unknown, this syndrome has become extremely rare. The reduction in the prevalence of Plummer–Vinson syndrome has been hypothesized to be the result of improvements in nutritional status and availability in countries where the syndrome was previously described. It generally occurs in perimenopausal women. Its identification and follow-up is considered relevant due to increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus and pharynx.
context_section_description: Treatment is primarily aimed at correcting the iron-deficiency anemia. Patients with Plummer–Vinson syndrome should receive iron supplementation in their diet. This may improve dysphagia and pain. If not, the web can be dilated with esophageal bougies during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food.
caption: Ascorbic-acid
exif: {}