Morphogenesis of Experimental Tumors of the Esophagus

In 42 rats, tumors of the esophagus were induced with N-methyl-N-nitrosoaniline. According to the data, morphogenesis of experimental esophageal carcinomas begins with diffuse hyperplastic changes in the epithelium (acanthosis). These changes accompanied by hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis result in the formation of foci of leukoplakia. Hypertrophy and proliferation of the connective tissue papillae beneath the foci of leukoplakia cause development of the verrucose lesions designated leukokeratosis. Subsequent polypoid outgrowths of the altered mucosa form papillomas. Finally, some papillomas progress to carcinoma.