Image Based Question-67996

A patient suffering from chronic GERD,on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,showed the following picture of lower oesophagus.He is at increased risk of which cancer?

A. Squamous cell carcinoma

B. Carcinoid tumor

C. Esophageal leiomyoma

D. Adenocarcinoma

Correct Answer » D Explanation

Ans is D. Adenocarcinoma

(Condition shown: Barrett’s esophagus)

Barrett’s esophagus

• It refers to an abnormal change (metaplasia) in the cells of the lower portion of the esophagus.

• It is characterized by the replacement of the normal stratified squamous epithelium lining of the esophagus by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells (which are usually found lower in the gastrointestinal tract).

• The medical significance of Barrett’s esophagus is its strong association with esophageal adenocarcinoma, because of which it is considered to be a premalignant condition.

• The main cause of Barrett’s esophagus is thought to be an adaptation to chronic acid exposure from reflux esophagitis.