Reported Causes And Risk Factors Of Esophageal Cancer

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the esophageal lining tissue is abnormal and resembles the tissue lining the intestines. This condition is often a complication that results from long term untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease. The only symptoms Barrett's esophagus presents with are the symptoms produced by a patient's underlying GERD. The abnormal tissues of the esophageal lining in Barrett's esophagus are a result of abnormal cell growth and development in the affected areas. Since these cells have already been altered into abnormal tissue, the effect GERD has upon this abnormal tissue is severe. There is greater susceptibility to cellular DNA damage in the cells affected by Barrett's esophagus because of the repeated exposure to increased levels of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Barrett's esophagus also commonly presents in patient's with an existing mutation in certain tumor suppressor genes responsible for inhibiting the duplication and growth of abnormal cells. Treatment of Barrett's esophagus focuses on prevention and diligent monitoring of cell dysplasia and cancerous cell growth.

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