Squamous metaplasia

In today's world, Squamous metaplasia has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide variety of people. Whether due to its impact on society, its historical relevance, its importance in technological development or its influence in the cultural sphere, Squamous metaplasia has captured the attention of people of all ages and contexts. In this article, we will explore the topic of Squamous metaplasia in depth, analyzing its different dimensions and how it has evolved over time. From its origins to its current state, Squamous metaplasia has been the subject of study, debate and admiration by academics, enthusiasts and the curious alike.
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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