The oesophagus and stomach present a wide spectrum of benign and
neoplastic conditions. Understanding the pathology of these conditions has always been
important to the surgical management of these diseases. The advent of modern
molecular pathological techniques has greatly expanded our knowledge of the
underlying pathogenesis of these conditions and now directly affects practice. The
integration of this new knowledge with standard histopathological techniques presents
new challenges to the pathologists and surgeon alike. This chapter discusses benign and
malignant pathology of the oesophagus and stomach, with repeated emphasis on new
knowledge where these influence practice.
By far, the commonest conditions affecting the oesophagus and stomach are benign.
However, these conditions can impact heavily on affected individuals. Although
relatively rare, cancers carry a huge burden on the individual and society. Specific
management and prognosis for these conditions are dependent on accurate diagnosis,
which is the realm of pathology. In this regard, the patient presentation, clinical and
diagnostic findings together with chemical pathology (Biochemistry), where
appropriate, are essential in guiding the pathologist to apply sophisticated pathological
essays that clinch the diagnosis. In some circumstances, pathology is also important in
identifying the aetiology, pathophysiology and malignant potential of some conditions.
Keywords: Adenocarcinoma, Carcinogenesis, Gastritis, Oesophagitis, Squamous
cell cancer, Pathogenesis, Risk factors, Molecular pathology, Stromal tumours,
Lymphoid tumours.
