A thorough understanding of neoplasia in gastrointestinal tract biopsies, including its diagnosis, prognosis and management, is an essential component of quality surgical pathology practice. This course is designed to provide this information for surgical pathologists in training and in practice in either clinical or academic settings.

The course will teach the diagnostic, prognostic and management issues of biopsies of precursors and advanced lesions in GI neoplasia within the esophagus (Barrett's glandular neoplasia), stomach (including Helicobacter pylori-related precursors, gastric cancer and its mimics, foveolar dysplasia, and gastric carcinoids), and intestines (including sporadic and inherited colorectal cancer and neoplasia in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease). Participants will learn to identify the problematic aspects of GI dysplasia and carcinoma biopsy diagnoses and to distinguish it from reactive/regenerative processes. Clinical cases will be utilized to facilitate understanding of the basic and evolving concepts in diagnosis, prognosis and management. Molecular diagnostics and its incorporation into routine pathology practice will be emphasized.

Virtual slides and still images, along with histories, will be posted on the USCAP website for review by pre-registrants prior to the meeting. A syllabus that reviews the diagnostic features, differential diagnoses, and provides a comprehensive reference list will be distributed at the meeting. All course registrants will also receive web access to the PowerPoint presented at the USCAP Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to use the presented material to better diagnose dysplasia /carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract on endoscopic biopsy specimens. In addition, the participants will have an updated perspective on the necessary molecular testing required in current practice.

(NEW COURSE) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.