Squamous metaplasia

In this article, the topic of Squamous metaplasia will be addressed from a broad and detailed perspective. The impact that Squamous metaplasia has on current society will be analyzed, as well as its historical relevance and influence in various areas. Furthermore, different points of view will be discussed and arguments for and against Squamous metaplasia will be presented, in order to offer a balanced and complete view on this topic. Furthermore, the future implications of Squamous metaplasia and possible strategies to address it effectively will be explored. This article seeks to provide readers with a deep and rich understanding of Squamous metaplasia, allowing them to form their own opinions and participate in an informed debate on this topic.

Micrograph showing squamous metaplasia (centre of image) in an atypical polypoid adenomyoma. H&E stain

Squamous metaplasia is a benign non-cancerous change (metaplasia) of surfacing lining cells (epithelium) to a squamous morphology.

Location

Common sites for squamous metaplasia include the bladder and cervix. Smokers often exhibit squamous metaplasia in the linings of their airways. These changes don't signify a specific disease, but rather usually represent the body's response to stress or irritation. Vitamin A deficiency or overdose can also lead to squamous metaplasia.

Uterine cervix

In regard to the cervix, squamous metaplasia can sometimes be found in the endocervix, as it is composed of simple columnar epithelium, whereas the ectocervix is composed of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium.

Significance

Squamous metaplasia may be seen in the context of benign lesions (e.g., atypical polypoid adenomyoma), chronic irritation, or cancer (e.g., endometrioid endometrial carcinoma), as well as pleomorphic adenoma.

  • Cytology of squamous metaplasia of the cervix, with typical features. Pap stain.
    Cytology of squamous metaplasia of the cervix, with typical features. Pap stain.
  • Endometrial adenocarcinoma (carcinoma at left in image) with squamous differentiation evidenced as necrotic “ghost cells” of keratinocytes at right in image, leaving pink keratin as well as clear spaces at the prior locations of the cell nuclei.
    Endometrial adenocarcinoma (carcinoma at left in image) with squamous differentiation evidenced as necrotic “ghost cells” of keratinocytes at right in image, leaving pink keratin as well as clear spaces at the prior locations of the cell nuclei.

See also

References

  1. ^ Goralczyk, R (2009). "β-Carotene and Lung Cancer in Smokers: Review of Hypotheses and Status of Research". Nutrition and Cancer. 61 (6): 767–774. doi:10.1080/01635580903285155. PMID 20155614.
  2. ^ Kumar, Vinay; Abbas, Abul K.; Fausto, Nelson; & Mitchell, Richard N. (2007) Robbins Basic Pathology (8th ed.). Saunders Elsevier. pp. 716-720 ISBN 978-1-4160-2973-1
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