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Barrett’s Esophagus
Over time, esophagitis or reflux disease that are left untreated can lead to a
dangerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is
characterized by a cellular change in the lining of the esophagus that may
lead to esophageal cancer. When Barrett’s esophagus occurs, the squamous
cells (the cells that line the esophagus) change into different types of cells
called columnar cells (a process called metaplasia). When metaplasia occurs,
the lining of the esophagus is damaged in a way that makes it thick and
hardened (causing the lining of the esophagus to be replaced by a type of
tissue similar to that normally found in the intestine) and thus prevents food
from entering the stomach. Metaplasia is an irreversible process in the vast
majority of cases.
Barrett’s esophagus is uncommon among children and is most likely to occur
among men over 45. About 5-20% of people with Barrett’s esophagus will
develop cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma is in most cases not curable, partly because
most diagnoses are done in late stages when treatments are not effective.
This is the main reason why endoscopic screening is so important as it can
monitor the changes made in the tissue of the esophagus. If the tissue looks
suspicious, then a biopsy should be performed. A small tissue from the lining
of the esophagus is removed and examined by a pathologist. It’s important to
note that a surgical procedure for treating acid reflux will not cure Barrett's
esophagus.
Jeff Martin – Heartburn No More
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