Upper GI Tract Pathology Flashcards
In this lecture we were told about 5 of the commonest upper GI conditions:
- Oesophageal Reflux
- Oesophageal Cancer
- Gastritis
- Peptic Ulceration
- Gastric Cancer
What is oesophageal reflux?
Reflux of gastric acid into the oesophagus
What causes oesophageal reflux?
Often caused by a hiatus hernia
What are the consequences of oesophageal reflux?
- Thickening of squamous epithelium
- Ulceration of the oesophagus
- Fibrosis -> Stricture formation
- Barrett’s Oesophagus
Define Barrett’s Oesophagus?
A Type of metaplasia where the squamous epithelium transforms into glandular epithelium
It predisposes one to oesophageal cancer (i.e. pre-malignant) - Adenocarcinomas
How common is oesophageal cancer?
The 3rd commonest form of alimentary tract cancer
What are the types of oesophageal cancer?
Two histological types:
- Squamous Carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
Which type of oesophageal cancer does Barrett’s oesophagus predispose you to>
Adenocarcinoma
What are the risk factors for oesophageal cancer?
Squamous:
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Dietary Carcinogens
Adenocarcinoma:
- Barrett’s Metaplasia
- Obesity
What are the local effects of oesophageal cancer?
Obstruction
Ulceration
Perforation -> food in thoracic cavity -> infection -> abscess
How does oesophageal cancer spread/
Direct to surrounding structures
Through lymphatics to regional lymph nodes
Through blood, most often to the liver
Whats the prognosis on oesophageal cancer?
Pretty fucking dire mate
5yr survival is <15%
What is gastritis?
Inflammation of the stomach mucosa
What types of gastritis are there?
Type A - Autoimmune
Type B - Bacterial
Type C - Chemical Injury
What happens in type A gastritis?
Autoantibodies attack parietal cells and intrinsic factor.
Causes atrophy of the specialised gastric epithelium that secrete gastric acid (parietal cells)
–> Decrease Acid Secretion & Loss of intrinsic factor