What is esophagus metaplasia?

Intestinal metaplasia is a transformation of the cells in the lining of your upper digestive tract, often the stomach or the esophagus (food pipe). It’s called “intestinal” metaplasia because the cells change to become more like those that line the intestines.

What does the stratified squamous epithelium do in the esophagus?

The presence of abnormal tissue resistance, demonstrated by defects within the intercellular junctional complex between cells of the surface layers of esophageal (stratified squamous) epithelium, is shown to enable the ready diffusion of refluxed gastric acid (H+) into the intercellular space.

Can squamous metaplasia become cancer?

Endocervical squamous metaplasia There is no risk of malignant transformation for squamous metaplasia. Nevertheless, the metaplastic change within the endocervix may increase the risk for human papilloma virus infection (Hwang et al., 2012), which is a risk factor for cervical cancer.

Why does metaplasia occur in Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s metaplasia occurs as a result of prolonged tissue injury in the esophagus due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One of the risk factors of GERD and its complications has been the increase in obesity, especially central adiposity.

Can metaplasia be cured?

Currently, the most effective treatment is to remove the H. pylori infection completely. This removal is done in combination with the use of antioxidant agents. Studies have shown this to be an effective way of trying to reverse intestinal metaplasia.

Is esophageal metaplasia reversible?

Metaplasia is a potentially reversible condition, and partial regression of Barrett’s metaplasia has been documented with effective medical or surgical therapy for GERD.

What diseases affect stratified squamous tissue?

Four examples of epithelial tissue disease include eczema, psoriasis, epithelial carcinoma, and severe asthma. Eczema affects the epithelial tissue of the skin, including the stratified squamous tissues, and causes inflammation of skin tissue in angry rashes and itchy welts.

What organs contain stratified squamous epithelium?

Examples of Stratified Squamous Epithelia. In the digestive system, this tissue type is found on upper surface of the tongue, the hard palate of the mouth, the esophagus and anus. It is also common in the female reproductive system and is seen in the vagina, cervix, and labia majora.

What does it mean when Metaplastic cells are present?

Metaplasia – Metaplasia is generally described as a process of cell growth or cell repair that is benign (not cancerous). This process normally occurs in unborn babies, during adolescence, and with the first pregnancy.

What does squamous metaplastic cells mean?

Squamous metaplasia, the process by which mature, non-squamous epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium, is a well-described phenomenon in the endocervical canal of both women and laboratory animals. In the human cervix, this process has been shown to develop in stages.

How do you treat metaplasia?