Neoplastic precursor lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Carcinomas of the esophagus and stomach are major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in high prevalence regions, such as eastern Asia. The incidence rate of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction is also increasing in the United States. Most carcinomas of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract develop in association with dysplasia and occur in patients with long-standing mucosal injury, although some are derived from benign polyps on a background of normal mucosa. Not surprisingly, increased utilization of endoscopy and mucosal biopsy has led to the frequent detection of mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and glandular dysplasia, as well as asymptomatic polyps of the duodenum, stomach, and gastroesophageal junction.
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Upper gastrointestinal tract pathology Source Type: research