Background: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) lesions are significant contributors to morbidity, with endoscopy serving as a crucial minimally invasive tool for their visualization and biopsy. This study explores the demographic patterns of upper GI lesions by age, sex, and biopsy site, comparing the prevalence of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions across the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, while underscoring the importance of early detection and management.
Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Gujarat, India, from July 2019 to October 2021. A total of 104 upper GIT biopsies were included and categorized based on age, sex, site, endoscopic findings, and histomorphology. Histopathological analysis involved routine processing, staining, and microscopic examination by a histopathologist.
Results: Out of the 104 endoscopic biopsies, the majority were from the 46-55 age group, followed by the 66-75 age group, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. Esophageal biopsies were the most common (48%). Non-neoplastic lesions (52.8%) were predominant, with duodenitis (48%) and celiac disease (33.3%) being the most frequent. Neoplastic lesions (47.1%) were prevalent in the esophagus (36.5%), primarily squamous cell carcinoma. Gastric biopsies showed more benign lesions, such as gastritis, than malignant ones, with adenocarcinoma being the most common. Endoscopic findings included thickening, scalloping, nodularity, polyps, and fragile growths, emphasizing the diversity of upper GIT lesions and the need for early detection and treatment.
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the crucial role of biopsies in promptly diagnosing esophageal malignancies and identifying premalignant conditions like Barrett's esophagus for timely intervention. It reaffirms the pivotal role of endoscopic biopsy in clinical management, stressing the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach.
