You may have heard that esophageal cancer continues to be the most rapidly rising cancer in the U.S. But it can be prevented by detecting its early, precancerous stage called Barrett’s esophagus (BE). BE occurs when the lining of the esophagus changes or becomes damaged, often due to exposure to acid from chronic acid reflux, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). In an attempt to repair itself, the esophagus replaces the damaged lining with tissue similar to the intestinal lining.
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Barrett’s Esophagus
Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.
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What is it?
Symptoms
Typically, BE patients suffer from the symptoms of GERD, such as:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Nausea
- Unexplained cough
- Sore throat
- Raspy voice
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if your symptoms occur at least once a week, start getting progressively worse, or have been ongoing for many years. An evaluation by a physician is especially important if you develop any alarming symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, sensation of food getting stuck when you are eating, newly diagnosed anemia, or recurrence/persistence of symptoms despite treatment with acid suppressing therapies, such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. These symptoms may indicate inadequately controlled GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, or even the development of esophageal cancer.
Causes and risk factors
Many people with Barrett’s esophagus have long-standing GERD. But here are some other contributing factors:
- Male gender
- Race – Caucasian
- Age 50 and older
- Abdominal obesity
- Smoking
- Having a family history of BE in a parent or sibling
Per current guidelines, screening for BE should be considered in men over the age of 50 with chronic or frequent GERD symptoms and two or more other risk factors.
Treatment options
Treatment for BE depends on the extent of abnormal cell growth in your esophagus and your overall health. If precancerous cells are discovered, they can be treated to prevent esophageal cancer.
Testing
Most of the time, patients who display these symptoms will be advised to undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This test allows us to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus and rule out other problems of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
Speak with your care provider for prevention methods.