Barrett's esophagus

What is Barrett's Esophagus?
It is a condition where the cells lining your lower esophagus are damaged, usually by repeated exposure to stomach acid (GERD).

The normal cells are replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine. This is the body's attempt to protect itself from acid, but it increases the risk of Esophageal Cancer.

Only a small percentage of people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus. Of those who do, the vast majority never develop cancer.

Symptoms

Many people with Barrett's have no specific symptoms other than the usual signs of acid reflux:

• Frequent heartburn.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Chest pain.
• Dry cough.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE
You can have Barrett's Esophagus without having heartburn. If you have had GERD for many years, ask your doctor about screening, even if your symptoms are controlled.

Causes

The exact cause isn't known, but it is strongly linked to long-term Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). As the esophagus tries to heal from constant acid burns, the cells mutate into a more resistant (but potentially precancerous) type.

Diagnosis & Grading

Doctors use an Upper Endoscopy to pass a camera down your throat. Normal tissue looks pale and glossy; Barrett's tissue looks red and velvety.

If discovered, the doctor will take a biopsy (tissue sample) to grade the severity:

• No Dysplasia: Barrett's cells are present, but no precancerous changes are found.
• Low-Grade Dysplasia: Cells show small signs of precancerous changes.
• High-Grade Dysplasia: Cells show many changes. This is the final step before esophageal cancer.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on the "Grade" of dysplasia found.

1. No Dysplasia or Low-Grade

The goal is to prevent further damage and monitor for changes.

• Periodic Endoscopy: Exams every 1 to 3 years to check if the condition is progressing.
• GERD Treatment: Strong acid-reducing medications (PPIs) or surgery (Nissen Fundoplication) to stop acid from entering the esophagus.

2. High-Grade Dysplasia

Because cancer risk is high, doctors often remove the damaged tissue:

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Using heat energy (via a balloon inserted in the throat) to burn away the damaged tissue.
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): Cutting away the damaged layers of the esophagus using surgical tools passed through an endoscope.
• Cryotherapy: Using cold liquid/gas to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.
• Surgery (Esophagectomy): Removing the damaged part of the esophagus. This is a major surgery reserved for severe cases or early cancer.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.