Another common oesophageal finding ...

These small spots are a common finding within the oesophagus but
WHAT ARE THEY?

■ Glycogenic acanthosis

Good guess but you haven't understood the histology

■ Aggregates of lymphocytes

Absolutely!

■ Xanthelasmata

Only found in the oesophagus!

■ Hyperkeratosis

Looks different remember?

explanation

These are tiny lymphoid aggregates which are sometimes arranged as longitudinal chains mainly, near the ducts of oesophageal glands. These are most prominent in childhood and they regress. The main differential diagnois is that of 'glycogenic acanthosis' is a benign finding which becomes more common as we age. Histologically, they are composed of hypertrophied stratified squamous cells filled with glycogen and has no link with 'leukoplakia', and has no malignant potential.  Below you have histologies of lymphocytic aggregates vs glycogenic acanthosis which tells a thousand words!