Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus causes heartburn, waking during the night due to heartburn pain, and acid regurgitation. This disease is prevalent among obese people, men, and Caucasians. Alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk of developing the disease.

The exact cause is unknown, but people with chronic GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are susceptible to developing the disorder. About 10% of people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus.

If GERD is left untreated, the acid reflux alters the cells of the esophagus, turning them into cells that are not typically found in the esophagus. These pre-cancerous cells are similar to the normal cells of the intestines. The presence of the abnormal cells is Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is the leading cause of esophageal cancer.

Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed with an upper endoscopy. The upper endoscopy allows the physician to examine the esophagus and obtain a tissue sample.

Treatment involves medication to stop further damage to the esophagus. Sometimes, the valve between the stomach and esophagus is surgically tightened. A relatively new treatment called Photofrin photodynamic therapy consists of injecting the area of the esophagus affected by Barrett’s esophagus with a drug to sensitize the area. Then, the pre-cancerous cells are destroyed by laser.