Options For Treating Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a complication that often occurs with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In individuals with Barrett's esophagus, the tube food uses to travel from the mouth to the stomach has an irregular lining. The normal lining of the esophagus changes into tissue similar to the intestinal lining. These changes themselves do not produce any noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms that commonly occur with GERD include problems with swallowing, chest pain, and frequent heartburn. The primary concern for Barrett's esophagus patients is the increased risk for developing a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is imperative for affected individuals to have routine exams of the esophageal cells, as this precaution makes it easier to discover any precancerous cells at an early stage when they are easier to treat. Treatment focuses on controlling GERD symptoms to slow the progression of Barrett's esophagus.