This course is designed to offer general pathologists, pathologists in training, and pathologists with a particular interest in gastrointestinal pathology, an overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and management of common metaplastic and dysplastic lesions in the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine. The course will include an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of these lesions with particular emphasis on the application of molecular biology for prognosis and management issues. Emphasis will be placed on diagnostically challenging and controversial aspects of metaplastic and dysplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and those which have important clinical implications regarding patient management. Some of the topics to be discussed in this course include Barrett’s esophagus and associated dysplasia, metaplasia and dysplasia of the gastroesophageal junction, esophageal squamous dysplasia, gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia [flat and polypoid lesions (fundic gland polyp, hyperplastic polyp, adenoma)], dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease and dysplasia in sporadic adenomas and in syndromic polyps. A case presentation format will be used as a basis for discussion of these lesions. The role of new techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, mucin histochemistry, and DNA diagnostics will be discussed wherever appropriate. No materials will be mailed prior to the course. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course. A CD containing copies of all slides presented during the course, as well as the text handout will be mailed to all registrants after the course.

(Last scheduled presentation)