GIT diseases - oral cavity to esophagus

Question 1

What is an epulis?

Answer 1

Tumour-like enlargement of gum around rotten teeth
derived from small fragments of teeth
Infection around cavitated teeth -> chronic granulomatous inflammation -> fibrosis
Leukoplakia - precancerous lesion due to mechanical irritation.

Question 2

What histological features can be found in an epulis?

Answer 2

large multinucleated cells - resemble osteoclasts, no atypia
surrounded by fibroblasts
derived from teeth fragments NOT squamous cells.

Question 3

What is Warthin’s tumour?

Answer 3

Adenolymphoma of salivary gland
benign, slow growing tumour
derives from salivary gland
well circumscribed tumour 
Cut surface : mucinous appearance
contains cystic spaces.

Question 4

What is a pleomorphic adenoma of salivary glands?

Answer 4

big, well circumscribed mass, fibrous capsule
has many forms, appearances
usually found in parotid glands
tumour makes glandular structures
has epithelial cells
has cartilagenous material

Question 5

What is a radicular cyst?

Answer 5

cavity that has reached the pulp and root of tooth
causes purulent inflammation in cystic space -> abscess.
Apical abscess found in gums.
2 options = heal -> granulation tissue -> periapical granuloma -> later turn into a fibrous nodule.
or evolve into something dangerous ->infection of bone ->osteomyelitis.

Question 6

What is chronic exacerbated tonsilitis?

Answer 6

inflamed cavity -> causes narrowing

different types of inflammation can be seen

Question 7

Why is the esophagus lighter in appearance to the stomach?

Answer 7

stomach has glandular epithelium -> full of blood, single layer of cells -> appears red
Esophagus -multiple layer of cells -> appears more white

Question 8

What is Barret’s Esophagus?

Answer 8

Metaplastic change in the lining of the Esophagus.
Normal cells = squamous
change to glandular epithelium
if goblet cells are present - intestinal metaplasia
usually due to high acid content in the esophagus - GERD