Special requirements in the esophageal biopsies of Barrett's esophagus

Background: The incidence of gastroesopageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased over the past years as well as the number of Barrett's esophagus (BE) cases. The latter is defined as a replacement of stratified squamous epithelium by metaplastic glandular mucosa with a certain neoplastic potential. Thus, histopathologists have an important role in the evaluation of BE. Aim: To review the morphological considerations and pitfalls which have an impact on the patients' clinical management. Materials and methods: One hundred and five biopsy specimens from 88 patients with GERD and suspected either short segment or l…