Oesophageal mucosal pathology in a population at risk for gastric and oesophageal carcinoma.

Statistical studies of oesophageal and gastric carcinoma at Groote Schuur Hospital during a 4 year period and a detailed pathological assessment of oesophageal mucosal biopsies of 526 rural outpatients are reported. A statistically suggested high incidence of oesophageal carcinoma was confirmed by endoscopical studies. Oesophageal carcinoma was detected endoscopically in 1.14% of patients with dyspepsia. Oesophagitis and glycogenic acanthosis were common findings which were related to smoking and alcohol intake, but were not related to cancer risk. Precursor lesions for oesophageal carcinoma are discussed.