Glycogenic acanthosis

Glycogenic acanthosis is a benign condition of the esophagus characterized by raised white or gray plaques or patches. It is a common finding during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a diagnostic procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of glycogenic acanthosis is unknown. However, it is not associated with any known risk factors or diseases and is considered a normal variant of esophageal histology.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Glycogenic acanthosis is usually asymptomatic and is often discovered incidentally during EGD. The plaques or patches are typically multiple, varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are usually round or oval, well-demarcated, and have a velvety appearance.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of glycogenic acanthosis is usually made endoscopically and confirmed histologically. The endoscopic appearance is characteristic, and biopsy is not usually necessary unless the diagnosis is uncertain. Histologically, glycogenic acanthosis is characterized by thickening of the squamous epithelium with increased glycogen in the cells.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

No treatment is necessary for glycogenic acanthosis as it is a benign condition. However, it is important to differentiate it from other conditions that may have a similar appearance, such as esophageal cancer or esophageal candidiasis, which require treatment.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Glycogenic acanthosis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.