December 6, 2023
Foveolar metaplasia describes a change where the cells in a part of the digestive tract are replaced by cells that resemble the foveolar cells found in a part of the stomach called the antrum. Similar to the foveolar cells normally found in the antrum, the cells in foveolar metaplasia produce a substance called mucin which helps protect cells from the strong acids normally produced in the stomach.
Foveolar metaplasia is commonly found in the stomach (outside of the antrum), duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), and ileum (the last part of the small intestine). It is believed to represent a protective response to prior tissue injury caused by exposure to stomach acid or medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This change is often seen in a condition called peptic duodenitis.
About this article
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.
Other helpful resources
Atlas of pathology
Our work is generously supported by:
