What is distal esophageal metaplasia?

Barrett’s esophagus is a premalignant metaplastic process that typically involves the distal esophagus. Its presence is suspected by endoscopic evaluation of the esophagus, but the diagnosis is confirmed by histologic analysis of endoscopically biopsied tissue.

What is metaplasia in the esophagus?

Most of the esophagus is lined by squamous mucosa. Goblet cells normally line the intestines, not the esophagus. When goblet cells are found in a place where they are not supposed to be, like the lining of the esophagus, it is called intestinal metaplasia.

What type of metaplasia is often seen in the esophagus?

Results. Cardiac mucosa is the precursor of intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus. Both develop as a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux.

What is the treatment for intestinal metaplasia?

After confirming a diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia, the doctor can begin treatment. 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.

What causes metaplasia?

Metaplasia is the replacement of one differentiated somatic cell type with another differentiated somatic cell type in the same tissue. Typically, metaplasia is triggered by environmental stimuli, which may act in concert with the deleterious effects of microorganisms and inflammation.

What is an example of metaplasia?

Metaplasia is the conversion of one adult tissue type into another, related and more durable, tissue type. The most prevalent examples are conversion of fibrous tissue into bone, or columnar mucosal epithelium into stratified squamous epithelium.

Is intestinal metaplasia serious?

Intestinal metaplasia can be severe. The transformation of the cells of the gastric lining puts a person at a much higher risk of developing gastric cancer. While it is not possible to avoid some risk factors such as genetics, people can avoid other risk factors, including diet, H. pylori infection, and smoking.

How common is intestinal metaplasia?

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is recognized as a precancerous lesion for gastric cancer, increasing the risk by 6-fold. IM is highly prevalent in the general population, being detected in nearly 1 of every 4 patients undergoing upper endoscopy.

How can you reverse intestinal metaplasia?

Is intestinal metaplasia dangerous?

Intestinal metaplasia can be severe. The transformation of the cells of the gastric lining puts a person at a much higher risk of developing gastric cancer . While it is not possible to avoid some risk factors such as genetics, people can avoid other risk factors, including diet, H. pylori infection, and smoking.

Can Barrett’s esophagus be cured?

Lifestyle Changes. Barrett’s Esophagus can be cured simply by the elimination of foods, beverages and habits that increase the risk of acid exposure to the esophagus. Common health risks include tobacco and alcohol use, but Barrett’s Esophagus is also cured by reducing the amount of spicy, refined or processed foods in the diet,…

What is gastric intestinal metaplasia?

Gastric intestinal metaplasia is defined as the replacement of the surface, foveolar, and glandular epithelium in the oxyntic or antral mucosa by intestinal epithelium [2].