Pathological Lesions of the Upper GIT

These flashcards cover key concepts related to pathological lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, specifically focusing on conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, GERD, and gastric adenocarcinoma.

Barrett’s esophagus

Replacement of normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus with gastric or intestinal epithelium due to long-standing reflux disease.

Adenocarcinoma

A type of cancer that arises mostly in the distal esophagus and is often associated with Barrett’s esophagus.

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain.

Metaplasia

The process by which one type of adult tissue changes to another type, often due to chronic inflammation or irritation.

Dysplasia

Abnormal development or growth of cells, tissues, or organs, often a precursor to cancer.

Signet ring cell carcinoma

A type of gastric adenocarcinoma characterized by cells having large mucin vacuoles that push the nucleus to the cell periphery.

Linitis plastica

A diffuse infiltrative type of gastric adenocarcinoma that causes thickening and rigidity of the gastric wall.

H. pylori

A bacterium that is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and is implicated in the development of gastric cancer.

Ulcer vs. Erosion

An ulcer is a deeper lesion affecting the submucosa, while an erosion is limited to the mucosa and spares the muscularis.

Intestinal metaplasia

A change in the esophageal epithelium towards a type resembling intestinal epithelium, often seen in Barrett’s esophagus.