Barrett’s esophagus is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurring in about 15% of people with chronic GERD symptoms. It's a condition where the cells of the esophagus change to be more like those of the intestine. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus should be checked regularly for precancerous or cancerous cells in the esophagus.
Esophageal dysplasia (low-grade and high-grade) is when the cells in the esophageal lining have become more abnormal. Dysplasia has a higher risk of progression to cancer. Patients with dysplasia should be monitored closely. Your care team may consider therapeutic intervention to prevent the development of esophageal cancer.
AHN offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's esophagus. The AHN Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Center of Excellence is a multidisciplinary program focused on providing comprehensive care for patients with esophageal and gastric (stomach) cancers and precancerous changes. The center brings together a team of specialists from various disciplines to offer advanced diagnostics, treatment, and support services.
Barrett's esophagus itself often doesn't cause specific symptoms. It's usually discovered during testing for GERD. Therefore, many symptoms are related to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Though sometimes, patients with Barrett’s esophagus may have minimal or no symptoms. Common symptoms include:
Dysplasia refers to precancerous changes arising from Barrett's esophagus. Dysplasia usually doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms on its own. It's typically detected during routine endoscopic surveillance and biopsy. Because there are no specific symptoms, regular monitoring is crucial for people diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.
While the exact mechanisms are complex, certain factors are known to significantly increase the likelihood of developing Barrett's esophagus. The most common causes and risk factors associated with Barrett's esophagus include:
Esophageal dysplasia is a complication of Barrett's esophagus. Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the cells that line the esophagus. It is considered a precancerous condition, meaning that these abnormal cells have the potential to develop into esophageal cancer over time. Dysplasia is not cancer itself, but it signifies an increased risk. Causes and risk factors include:
With GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and dysplasia, screening and diagnosis is critical for creating the right treatment plan for you. AHN is committed to personalized care that identifies the root cause of your symptoms. We use the latest in technology and screening tools to provide us with the most accurate diagnosis possible. These screening and diagnosis options may include:
To best understand the types and stages of Barret’s esophagus and dysplasia, it’s important to understand the two conditions and how they function together. With Barrett's esophagus, this is a condition where the lining of your esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach) changes to resemble the lining of your intestine. It's usually caused by long-term acid reflux. Dysplasia is when the cells in the Barrett's esophagus lining have become abnormal. It's not cancer, but it can be a sign that cancer might develop in the future. Think of it as a warning sign.
Doctors classify dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus into these main categories:
It's important to understand that the term "stages" is usually used for cancer, not dysplasia. However, we can think of dysplasia as a spectrum, from no dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia. The higher the grade of dysplasia, the greater the risk of developing cancer. AHN physicians also have the ability to provide individual risk stratification to further improve the accuracy of risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma over time.
The type and grade of dysplasia in your Barrett's esophagus will determine the best course of action:
At AHN, we have gastroenterologists and surgeons who have dedicated their entire careers to caring for and treating esophageal conditions. Using the latest technologies, our specialists work with you to find the personalized treatment plan using innovative options. These may include:
A Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal dysmotility diagnosis can bring about questions, especially those around reducing or eliminating the risk of disease progression. At AHN, your care team is here to answer any and all questions, and help you determine a treatment plan that is best for your specific case. To help you get started, we’ve included FAQs that can aid your discussions with your doctor and give you some background information.
While Barrett's esophagus itself cannot be completely cured in the sense of reversing the intestinal metaplasia, treatment can effectively manage the condition and prevent progression to cancer. Treatment options include:
With Barrett’s esophagus, it is best to avoid foods that are known to cause or increase acid reflux. These include: high-fat, acidic, and spicy foods; caffeine; alcohol; carbonated beverages; and peppermint; and spearmint. Foods to avoid if you have esophageal dysmotility include dry, sticky, and fibrous foods; large bites of food; and extremely hot or cold foods. Patients can work with an AHN dietitian to create an individualized eating plan that will help their condition.
Barrett's esophagus, in and of itself, does not significantly impact life expectancy. The main concern with Barrett's esophagus is the increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. With regular monitoring and appropriate treatment, most individuals with Barrett's esophagus will have a normal life expectancy.
The symptoms of Barrett's esophagus are often similar to those of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or may not be present at all. When symptoms are present, they may include:
Esophageal dysplasia can be treated and often be cured. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the concerning tissue and prevent progression to cancer. Follow-up care and monitoring are important to treat and eliminate esophageal dysplasia.
The risk of Barrett's esophagus progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma is relatively low. The annual risk is estimated to be between 0.5% and 1% per year. At AHN, our physicians offer patients individualized risk progression evaluation through state-of-the-art tissue analysis. The presence and degree of dysplasia significantly impact this risk:
Regular endoscopic surveillance is crucial for detecting dysplasia and cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Call (412) 359-GERD (412) 359-4373 in Pittsburgh or (844) 412-GERD (844) 412-4373 in Erie for more information or to book a consultation.
