Oral and Oesophageal Pathology Flashcards
what is the anatomical relations of the oesophagus
passes under the bronchus and arch of the aorta and passes through the diaphragm in from of the descending aorta
what is the Z line
the gastro oesophageal junction that joints the stomach to the oesophagus
what cells make up a normal oesophagus
lined by stratified sqaumous epithelium with basal layer and submucosal glands
what is acute oesophagitis
inflammation of the oesophagus due corrosion following chemical ingestion or infection in immunocompromised patients (candidiasis, herpes, CMV- ctyomegaly virus)
what is chronic oesophagitis
reflux disease (reflux oesophagitis)
what is refluc oesophagitis
inflammation of the oesophagus due to refluxed low pH gastric content moving through the GOJ
what can cause reflux oesophagus
defective sphincter mechanism +/- hiatus hernia
abnormal oesophageal motility
increased intra- abdominal pressure (pregnancy, obesity)
what is a hiatus hernia
when the stomach goes through the hiatus in the diaphragm
what is seen microscopically in an reflux oesophagus
basal zone epithelial expansion (basal zone hyperplasia as it tries to regenerate) and accumulation of immune cells- intraepithelial neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils
why are you more likely to develop malignancy in reflux oesophagus
as regeneration of epithelium means cells are mitosing at a higher rate
what are the complications of relfux
ulceration (bleeding) painful and may lead to anaemia
stricture- fibrosis, dysphagia
barretts oesophagus
what is barretts oesophagus
replacement of stratified squamous epithelium by columnar epithelium- metaplasia due to persistent reflux of acid or bile
what is metaplasia
replacement of one cell type with another
what does barretts oesophagus look macroscopically
red velvety mucosa replacing normal mucosa in lower oesophagus extending upwards in irregular fashion
what does barretts oesophagus look like microscopically
normal squamous epithelium replaced by columnar epithelium (which i glandular, has goblet cells that secrete mucous so are more resistant to acid)
columnar lined mucosa with interstitial metaplasia
why is barretts oesophagus unstable
as there is continuing damage- increased risk of developing dysplasia and carcinoma of the oesophagus
what is dysplasia
the presence of cells of an abnormal type within a tissue, which may signify a stage preceding the development of cancer.
what is a more likely cause of squamous cell carcinoma
drinking and smoking