Glans clitoridis

Glandular metaplasia is a form of metaplasia in which non-glandular epithelium changes to a glandular form. This process is often a response to chronic inflammation or irritation, and is reversible upon removal of the inciting stimulus.

Overview

Metaplasia is a process of cellular adaptation, in which one mature cell type is replaced by another mature cell type. In the case of glandular metaplasia, the new cell type is glandular in nature. This change is often seen in tissues that are subject to chronic irritation or inflammation, such as the respiratory tract or the urinary bladder.

Causes

Glandular metaplasia is often caused by chronic irritation or inflammation. For example, in the respiratory tract, chronic exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke can lead to the replacement of the normal ciliated columnar epithelium with a glandular type. Similarly, in the urinary bladder, chronic infection or irritation can lead to the replacement of the normal transitional epithelium with a glandular type.

Pathology

The glandular metaplasia is characterized by the presence of glandular cells in an area where they are not normally found. These cells are often arranged in a pattern that resembles the glands of the gastrointestinal tract. The cells may also show features of dysplasia, such as nuclear enlargement and increased mitotic activity.

Clinical significance

While glandular metaplasia is a benign process, it is often associated with an increased risk of malignancy. This is because the metaplastic cells are more susceptible to further genetic changes that can lead to the development of cancer. Therefore, the presence of glandular metaplasia often warrants further investigation and close monitoring.

See also

• Metaplasia
• Epithelium
• Respiratory tract
• Urinary bladder