A 21-year-old member asked:
What is barrett's esophagus?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. John Edmisonanswered
Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Precancerous entity: Barrett's esophagus occurs when metaplastic columnar epithelium (that predisposes to cancer development) replaces the normal tissue of the esophagus.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sidney Vinsonanswered
Gastroenterology 29 years experience
Precancerous entity: Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition where the usual squamous cells of the esophagus are replaced with intestinal type cells (intestinal metaplasia). It is caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus which causes burns and ulcers to the esophagus. This tissue then heals in the presence of acid but changes into intestinal type tissue as a protective adaptation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Dean Giannoneanswered
Internal Medicine 27 years experience
Barrett's.: This is a change in the esophagus in response to longstanding reflux. It is a precancerous change which requires frequent surveillance EGDs to make sure cancer is not developing. If Barrett's is found, the abnormal areas can be ablated so that they do not progress to cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
What are the tests for barrett's esophagus?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Brett Kalmowitzanswered
Gastroenterology 24 years experience
Endoscopy: An endoscopy and biopsy is needed to assess the barrett's and decide if there are precancerous cells that require more aggressive therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 3, 2019
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