Neoplastic risk in hyperplastic esophagogastric junction lesions: Comprehensive multicenter study

Abstract

Background and study aims

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) lesions are uncommon and histologically diverse. Among these, EGJ hyperplastic lesions are rare and generally considered benign. However, their nonspecific appearance makes accurate endoscopic identification challenging. Endoscopic resection is both a diagnostic and therapeutic approach, yet risk factors for neoplastic transformation in EGJ lesions remain unclear. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for neoplastic transformation in hyperplastic EGJ lesions.

Patients and methods

This multicenter, retrospective study included patients with hyperplastic EGJ lesions endoscopically resected across 13 European hospitals. Data were collected from endoscopy and pathology reports. Neoplastic transformation was defined by presence of dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. A multivariable logistic regression model was conducted to assess predictive factors for neoplastic transformation in resected hyperplastic lesions.

Results

From January 2015 to October 2024, 91 EGJ hyperplastic lesions were included. Polypectomy/endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed in 86% of cases, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in 19%. En bloc resection was successfully achieved in 93% of cases, whereas R0 resection rates were confirmed in 84% of cases. Twenty-one lesions (23%) showed neoplastic transformation on histology. Independent predictive factors for neoplastic transformation in hyperplastic lesions included non-polypoid morphology (odds ratio [OR] 5.48; P = 0.025), presence of surface ulceration (OR 11.5; P = 0.0005) and lesion size (OR 5.48; P = 0.021). Lesion size > 12 mm was identified as a significant predictor of neoplastic transformation in hyperplastic lesions.

Conclusions

EGJ hyperplastic lesions showed a non-negligible risk of neoplastic transformation. These findings highlight the need for careful endoscopic assessment to predict malignancy while promoting appropriate management strategies to ensure adequate R0 resection in case of undetected local malignancy.

Keywords

Endoscopy Upper GI Tract - Endoscopic resection (ESD, EMRc, ...) - Precancerous conditions & cancerous lesions (displasia and cancer) stomach - Diagnosis and imaging (inc chromoendoscopy, NBI, iSCAN, FICE, CLE)

Publication History

Received: 02 August 2025

Accepted after revision: 18 November 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
01 December 2025

Article published online:
16 December 2025

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