PURPOSE: To demonstrate the frequency of micronucleus in esophageal mucous cells of smokers, consumers of alcoholic beverages and "maté" drinkers. METHODS: Material collected from the midlle esophagus in 250 consecutive patients submitted to upper digestive endoscopy was stained with acridine orange and the cytologist determined the number of micronuclei vizualized per each 500 cells examined. RESULTS: The frequency of micronucleated cells did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) when the following variables were considered: sex, place of residence (rural or urban), type of care (outpatient or inpatient), ingestion of alcohol. For two variables, smoking and "maté" consumption, there were significant differences in the frequency of micronuclei in the categories exposed and formerly exposed in relation to never exposed. CONCLUSION: A higher frequency of micronucleus in the esophageal mucous in smoking and "maté" drinkers was evidenced by this study.
Esophagus; Micronuclei; Smoking; "Maté"; Alcohol
