Can It Be Diagnosed? Is There a Treatment?
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Barrett's esophagus is not easy. At the present time, it cannot be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, physical exam, or blood tests. The only way to be sure if you have Barrett's esophagus will require an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or upper GI endoscopy). Biopsies are performed, to check for abnormal cells which have the potential of becoming malignant.
Treatment
Barrett's esophagus has no cure, no treatment to reverse it, short of surgical removal of the esophagus (esophagectomy), which is a serious operation. Surgery is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it. Patients who have esophageal cancer that hasn't spread to other organs such as the liver and lungs, and are considered surgical candidates are usually offered surgical removal of the esophagus. Unfortunately, most patients are not diagnosed with an early cancer and have a large cancer when they see a doctor for problems with swallowing, bleeding, chest pain or weight loss.
Several different experimental approaches are under study. One attempts to see whether destroying the Barrett's tissue by heat or other means through an endoscope can eliminate the condition. This approach, however, has potential risks and unknown effectiveness.
The best course of action for Barrett's esophagus may be to take preventive steps now. While it may not prevent you from developing Barrett's esophagus, you may be able to increase the odds in your favor for not getting it. Thriving to get your GERD under control and reduce your instances of acid reflux is the first step.
Points to Remember about Barrett's Esophagus
- In Barrett's esophagus, the cells lining the esophagus change and become similar to the cells lining the intestine.
- Barrett's esophagus is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
- A small number of people with Barrett's esophagus may develop esophageal cancer.
- Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy.
- People who have Barrett's esophagus should have periodic esophageal examinations.
- Taking acid-blocking drugs for GERD may result in improvements in Barrett's esophagus. Removal of the esophagus is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it.
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Part 1: What is Barrett's Esophagus
Part 2: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Part 3: Can It Be Diagnosed? Is There a Treatment?
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Other possible complications of GERD:
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Adapted from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
NIH Publication No. 05–4546 December 2004
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Updated: 11/08/2005
