The esophagus is a tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Barrett esophagus is a change to the cells of this tube.
This change means there is a higher risk of cancer developing. Treatment can lower the risk or catch cancer early.
The exact cause of Barrett esophagus is not known. Regular, long term damage and inflammation to the area may play a role. A back up of stomach acid into the tube is the most common cause of damage. This is also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Barrett esophagus is more common in people aged 50 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chance of Barrett esophagus include:
Barrett esophagus does not cause symptoms itself.
It is common to have symptoms of stomach acid reflux such as:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may want to test for Barrett esophagus if you have a history of GERD.
The area will need to be closely examined. Tests may include:
There is a range of cell changes. High grade changes are at greater risk of cancer.
The cell changes that have already occurred can not be changed. The goals of treatment are to stop more damage to the area. The medical team will also remove high risk cells and check often for risk of cancer. Treatment options for Barrett esophagus may include:
Medicine may help to control reflux. The most common choice is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs help control symptoms and slow or stop further damage.
Surgery may be needed to treat severe GERD or remove unhealthy cells. Options include:
This surgery can help to control severe GERD. A part of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus. It will help to keep stomach acid in the stomach.
A scope is passed down the throat. A camera will show the lining of the throat and abnormal cells. Tools can be passed down the scope to destroy abnormal cells. Normal cells can then grow over the area. There are different ways to kill the cells. Examples include:
Part of the esophagus is removed. This may be needed for areas that have a very high risk of becoming cancer soon. The stomach may be pulled up or the area is replaced with a section of large intestine.
Follow up tests will be done to check for any new changes. They may be needed every 3 months to 5 years. The rate of follow up will depend on the type of cells that are present.
The best way to prevent Barrett esophagus is to stop irritation of the tissue. Steps may include:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
GI Society—Canadian Society of Intestinal Research
Health Canada
Barrett esophagus. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T11586...arrett-esophagus. Updated August 2, 2017. Accessed April 4, 2018.
Barrett's esophagus. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/barretts-esophagus. Accessed April 4, 2018.
11/30/2015 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T11586...arrett-esophagus: Shaheen NJ, Falk GW, Iyer PG, Gerson LB. ACG clinical guideline: diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016;111(1):30-50.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.