What Is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which long term acid exposure from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes the normal lining of the esophagus to be replaced by intestinal‑type cells. This change increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. Barrett’s esophagus generally has no symptoms of its own.

 

Risk Factors

• Chronic GERD for over 5 years
• Age over 50
• Male sex
• Caucasian ethnicity
• Obesity, particularly central (abdominal) obesity
• Smoking history
• Family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma

 

Diagnosis and Surveillance

Patients with at least 3 risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus should be considered for screening with an upper endoscopy (EGD).  Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed on biopsies taken during an upper endoscopy.

Once diagnosed, regular surveillance endoscopy is recommended to monitor for further precancerous changes (dysplasia). The frequency of surveillance will be personalized to your findings.

 

Treatment and Ablation

• Acid suppression: Proton pump inhibitor medications are used to control reflux and prevent progression to cancer.
• Endoscopic ablation: When dysplasia is detected, endoscopic therapies can eradicate abnormal cells. Techniques include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryotherapy.
• Endoscopic resection: suspicious lumps arising from the Barrett’s can sometimes be removed endoscopically for treatment and analysis under the microscope.
• Surgery: Rarely, a portion of the esophagus may be need to be surgically removed for extensive high‑grade dysplasia or early cancer.

 

Barrett’s esophagus is not something to ignore!  If you have known Barrett’s esophagus or have multiple risk factors, contact us at Salem Gastro for expert screening and surveillance to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer.