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Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
"Glassy" cells in Barrett's mucosa
1Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital 17176, Stockholm, Sweden. Carlos.Rubio@ki.se
Anticancer Research
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Glandular cells with glassy cytoplasm (GCs) were found in Barrett's mucosa, a precursor to esophageal cancer. This finding suggests a potential link between GCs and Barrett's esophagus that warrants further research.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Glandular cells with glassy cytoplasm (GCs) were first identified in gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia (IM) in 1991.
- These unique cells were later observed in the gastric mucosa of baboons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of GCs in human esophageal biopsies.
- To investigate the presence of GCs in columnar-lined esophagus, particularly in cases of Barrett's mucosa.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 403 human esophageal biopsies for the presence and frequency of GCs.
- GCs were defined as glandular cells exhibiting a homogeneously pale, eosinophilic cytoplasm with a ground-glass appearance.
- Biopsies were classified based on the presence of cardiac glands, oxyntic cells, and goblet cells, identifying glandular metaplasia types 1, 2, and 3 (Barrett's mucosa).
Main Results:
- Glandular cells with glassy cytoplasm (GCs) were detected in 4 out of 403 esophageal biopsies (0.99%).
- All positive cases (1.8%) were associated with Barrett's mucosa (glandular metaplasia type 3).
- No GCs were found in biopsies with glandular metaplasia types 1 or 2.
Conclusions:
- Glandular cells with glassy cytoplasm (GCs) are present in Barrett's mucosa.
- Barrett's mucosa is a known precursor to epithelial dysplasia and esophageal carcinoma.
- The association between GCs and Barrett's mucosa requires further investigation due to its potential implications in esophageal cancer development.
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