Squamous metaplasia

In today's world, Squamous metaplasia is a topic that arouses growing interest among a wide spectrum of the population. Since its emergence, Squamous metaplasia has generated conflicting opinions and debate regarding its impact on society. With the passage of time, this topic has acquired increasing relevance, influencing different aspects of daily life and the development of various areas of knowledge. This is why it is essential to analyze in depth the different aspects related to Squamous metaplasia, in order to understand its scope and the implications it has for individuals, communities and the world in general. In this article, we will explore different perspectives and approaches on Squamous metaplasia, with the aim of providing a complete and enriching vision of its importance today.
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.[1]

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.[2]

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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