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What Causes Barrett's Esophagus?
Brief Answer:
pre-cancer
Detailed Answer:
it is a disease of the esophagus, in which the cell lining of the esophagus changes usually in response to longstanding acid reflux from the stomach up into the esophagus. The cells of the esophagus changes and resembles the small intestine cells, which is abnormal to be seen up there in the esophagus.
The problem with Barrett's is that you can develop atypical cells, which is called "dysplasia", and this can then transform into cancer (adenocarcinoma of the esophagus). The risk of cancer overall is very low, but nevertheless is much higher in a person with Barrett's compared to somebody without Barrett's esophagus.
You would <0.5 to 1% chance of having cancer in the future, however depending on how atypical (if any) were your cells in the esophagus, you will need routine check ups (the endoscopies may be needed as soon as every 6 months to 1 year, to up to every 5 years).
It is recommended to take anti reflux medications (such as proton pump inhibitors), lose weight, avoid alcohol and smoking.
If atypical cells are ever found, the disease is easily treatable endoscopically (with radiofrenquency ablation), as long as it doesn't turn into cancer.
Let me know if you have further questions
pre-cancer
Detailed Answer:
it is a disease of the esophagus, in which the cell lining of the esophagus changes usually in response to longstanding acid reflux from the stomach up into the esophagus. The cells of the esophagus changes and resembles the small intestine cells, which is abnormal to be seen up there in the esophagus.
The problem with Barrett's is that you can develop atypical cells, which is called "dysplasia", and this can then transform into cancer (adenocarcinoma of the esophagus). The risk of cancer overall is very low, but nevertheless is much higher in a person with Barrett's compared to somebody without Barrett's esophagus.
You would <0.5 to 1% chance of having cancer in the future, however depending on how atypical (if any) were your cells in the esophagus, you will need routine check ups (the endoscopies may be needed as soon as every 6 months to 1 year, to up to every 5 years).
It is recommended to take anti reflux medications (such as proton pump inhibitors), lose weight, avoid alcohol and smoking.
If atypical cells are ever found, the disease is easily treatable endoscopically (with radiofrenquency ablation), as long as it doesn't turn into cancer.
Let me know if you have further questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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