
This is an oesophageal biopsy. What does it show?
What are the implications of this change?
This shows Barrett's oesophagus with the normal squamous lining on the left becoming columna on the right. This change is thought to be due to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux and is associated with a high risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus, particularly when high grade dysphasia is present. The actual risk of malignant transformation and the need for regular surveillance is, however, controversial.
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