MyPathologyReport
December 15, 2023
Body type (also known as fundic type) mucosa is the thin layer of tissue that lines the corpus (body) of the stomach. This type of mucosa is characterized by the presence of mucus-secreting cells called foveolar cells, which are responsible for producing the mucus that covers the inside of the stomach and protects it from acid. It also contains parietal cells, which secrete hydrochloric acid, and chief cells, which secrete pepsinogen, the precursor to the enzyme pepsin that breaks down proteins.
Body type mucosa with chronic gastritis means inflammation in the corpus (body) of the stomach. The most common cause of chronic gastritis is infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Less common causes include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune gastritis.
Body type mucosa with intestinal metaplasia means that the cells normally found in the corpus (body) of the stomach have been replaced by cells normally found in a part of the digestive system called the intestine. These intestinal cells include specialized goblet cells that look blue when examined under the microscope because they contain a large amount of mucin. Intestinal metaplasia in the stomach is commonly caused by long-standing inflammation. and it is associated with an increased risk of developing a type of stomach cancer called adenocarcinoma.
Reactive means that the cells in the mucosa have been injured and look abnormal when examined under the microscope. The injury can be caused by infection, physical stress, or exposure to chemicals or medications. Reactive does not mean cancer.
Doctors wrote this article to assist you in reading and comprehending your pathology report. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about this article or your pathology report. To get a comprehensive introduction to your pathology report, read this article.