Glycogenic acanthosis
Glycogenic acanthosis (pronunciation: gly·co·gen·ic a·can·tho·sis) is a benign condition characterized by the thickening of the squamous epithelium in the esophagus. It is often associated with aging and is commonly found in individuals over the age of 40.
Etymology
The term "glycogenic acanthosis" is derived from three Greek words: "glykys" meaning sweet, "gen" meaning to produce, and "akantha" meaning thorn. This refers to the condition's characteristic appearance of thickened, thorny projections in the esophagus, which are caused by an accumulation of glycogen in the squamous cells.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Glycogenic acanthosis is typically asymptomatic, meaning it does not produce any symptoms. It is often discovered incidentally during an endoscopy for other gastrointestinal issues. The condition is characterized by multiple, small, white, raised plaques in the esophagus.
Related Terms
- Squamous epithelium: A type of epithelial tissue that lines the esophagus. In glycogenic acanthosis, this tissue becomes thickened.
- Glycogen: A form of sugar that is stored in the body's cells. In glycogenic acanthosis, glycogen accumulates in the squamous cells of the esophagus.
- Endoscopy: A procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of the body's cavities and organs. It is often used to diagnose glycogenic acanthosis.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for glycogenic acanthosis as it is a benign condition. However, regular monitoring through endoscopy may be recommended to ensure that no complications arise.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glycogenic acanthosis
- Wikipedia's article - Glycogenic acanthosis
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