Radiation esophagitis

Radiation esophagitis is a relatively uncommon pathology of the esophagus seen in the context of radiation treatments for thoracic malignancies.

General

• Uncommon ~1% of patients getting radiation.

Gross/endoscopic

Features:

• Erythema - nonspecific.

Microscopic

Features:

• Variable inflammation.
• Radiation-related nuclear atypia - endothelial cells and stromal cells.

DDx:

• Cytomegalovirus.

IHC

• CMV -ve.

Sign out

Esophagus, 25 cm, Biopsy:
- Acute esophagitis with edema, see comment.
- NEGATIVE for dysplasia and NEGATIVE for malignancy.

Comment:
The history of radiation is noted. 

Stains are pending to exclude micro-organisms not appreciated on H&E staining; the results will be reported in an addendum.

See also

• Radiation changes.