Oesophageal Glycogenic Acanthosis

This is a very usual finding. When carefully looked for, these small pale mucosal changes especially in the upper and middle parts of the oesophagus are probably seen in every 10th patient.

The "lesions" are whiter than the normal oesophageal mucosa.

When prominent, these small changes can perhaps be thought to be caused by a candida infection. Candida plaques are still whiter and can be removed by a cytological brush.

In this picture a mild candida oesophagitis is seen, and to the right, a small glycogen acanthosis-lesion. The candida plaques are more intense white.

Histologically they reveal an increased glycogen content - but histological examination is nearly never done, these changes do not have to be biopsied. They do not relate to reflux disease, and they are not in any way premalignant.

Here are some books about this topic if You need more information: