About 1 in 10 heartburn patients will develop a pre-cancerous complication of GERD, called Barrett's esophagus. The acid injures the lining of your swallowing tube and the injury turns into a different type of cell. This puts the patient at an elevated risk for developing a deadly form of cancer, called adenocarcinoma.

Barrett's esophagus is estimated to affect approximately 3.3 million adults over 50 years of age in the United States.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s Esophagus is a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus has cellular changes in response to irritation from Gastroesophageal reflux.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors: Irritation of the lining of the esophagus by gastric acid secretions is the probable cause. The condition occurs more frequently in men than women. Risk factors are Gastroesophageal reflux. An increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus is present with this condition.

Symptoms:

• Heartburn

• Burning pain under the sternum 

• Increased by bending or stooping

• Increased by eating

• Relieved by milk or antacids

• Worse or frequent at night

• Difficulty swallowing

Signs and Tests: Looking at the esophagus with an endoscope and obtaining a sample of esophagus tissue for examination (esophagoscopy with biopsy) reveals Barrett’s Esophagus.

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Treatment:Treatment includes general measures to control Gastroesophageal reflux, medications and surgery.

In July 2008, BarrX Medical, Inc. announced the precancerous esophagus disease is eliminated in 98.4% of patients treated with the HALO system. Tri-Cities Gastroenterology has been serving our patients with these procedures since April of 2007. Find out more about Ablation of Barrett's esophagus with HALO technology by clicking here.

General Measures Include:

• Weight reduction

• Avoiding lying down after meals

• Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated

• Taking medications with plenty of water

• Avoiding dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine and peppermint because they may cause lower esophageal pressure

• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco

Medications to relieve symptoms and control Gastroesophageal reflux include antacids after meals and at bedtime, histamine H2 receptor blockers, cholinergic agents, and pro motility agents. Surgery to remove the portion of the esophagus (resection of the esophagus) may be indicated if a biopsy shows the type of cellular changes that tend to lead to cancer (dysplasia).
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Expectations: An increased risk of esophageal cancer is present. Follow up endoscopy to look for dysplasia or cancer is often advised.

Complications:

• Esophageal dysplasia

• Esophageal cancer

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.        

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