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Squamous metaplasia

 
Medical Dictionary: ep·i·der·mal·i·za·tion
(ĕp'ĭ-dûr'mə-lĭ-zā'shən)
n.

The transformation of glandular or mucosal epithelium into stratified squamous epithelium. Also called squamous metaplasia.

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Squamous metaplasia refers to benign (non-cancerous) changes in the epithelial linings of certain organs within the body. These cells assume a more squamous morphology. Common sites for squamous metaplasia include the bladder and cervix. Smokers often exhibit squamous metaplasia in the linings of their airways. These changes don't signify a specific disease, but rather usually represent the body's response to stress or irritation. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to squamous metaplasia.

In regards to the cervix, squamous metaplasia can sometimes be found in the exocervix, as it is composed of squamous epithelium, whereas the endocervix is composed of columnar epithelium.[1]. Squamous metaplasia in the cervix is generally a response to non-specific irritation, and has little to no potential to become malignant.

  1. ^ Kumar, Vinay; Abbas, Abul K.; Fausto, Nelson; & Mitchell, Richard N. (2007). Robbins Basic Pathology (8th ed.). Saunders Elsevier. pp. 716-720 ISBN 978-1-4160-2973-1

 
 

 

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Medical Dictionary. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company Read more
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Squamous metaplasia" Read more