Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's Esophagus is a precancerous
condition that complicates chronic untreated GERD. The
repeated backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus
can cause a transformation of the lining of the esophagus
to a new lining with precancerous intestinal cells.
People with Barrett's Esophagus can be found in up to
15% of the people that undergo upper endoscopy (EGD).
Because Barrett's cannot be detected by a blood test
or x-ray, EGD is needed to diagnose it in patients at
risk. Biopsies taken during an EGD can help identify
the precancerous cells so that the progression to cancer
can be monitored and halted.
For more information, you may visit the following websites
• www.askasge.org/pages/brochures/barretts_patient.cfm
• www.barrettsinfo.com/
• www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/index.htm
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