Barret's Esophagus
Barret's Esophagus is a condition wherein the esophagus become damaged by acid reflux, causing the lining to thicken and become inflamed. This is often caused by GERD - where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails, leading to acid and chemical damage of the esophagus. This is often associated with symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation, difficulty swallowing food, and chest pain. In some people, GERD may trigger changes in the cells lining the lower esophagus, causing Barret's Esophagus.
Barret's Esophagus is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, and extensive biopsies of the esophagus to check for dysplasia (precancerous cells) is required to be treated and prevent esophageal cancer.
Symptoms of Barret's Esophagus are associated with long-standing GERD.
Endoscopy is used for diagnosis of Barret's Esophagus including biosopy of tissue. Normal esophageal tissue appears pale and glossy, and in Barret's Esophagus, the tissue is red and velvety. The tissue may be classed as:
☞ No dysplasia - Barret's Esophagus present but no precancerous changed,
☞ Low grade dysplasia - small signs of precancerous changes,
☞ High-grade - many changes present - final step before cells turn into oesophageal cancer.