Cardiac type mucosa

MyPathologyReport
November 30, 2023

Cardiac type mucosa is a thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of the first part of the stomach. It is normal to find this type of tissue where the esophagus connects with the stomach. This area is called the gastroesophageal junction. Cardiac type mucosa is made up of glands that secrete mucus onto the inside surface of the stomach. The mucus helps protect the tissue from the strong acids produced in the body of the stomach.

What does it mean if cardiac type mucosa shows chronic inflammation?

Cardiac type mucosa with chronic inflammation means that specialized immune cells, specifically lymphocytes and plasma cells were seen on the inside surface of the stomach when the tissue was examined under the microscope. Common causes of chronic inflammation in this part of the stomach include infection with Helicobacter pylori, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What does it mean if cardiac type gastric mucosa is seen in the esophagus?

It is normal to find cardiac type gastric mucosa in the esophagus. When examined under the microscope it looks very similar to the mucosa on the inside of the stomach.

What does cardiac type mucosa with intestinal metaplasia mean?

Cardiac type mucosa with intestinal metaplasia means that some of the cells on the inside of the stomach have changed so that they look and behave more like cells normally found on the inside of the small intestine. Common causes of intestinal metaplasia in this part of the stomach include long-standing infection with Helicobacter pylori, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

About this article

This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.

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