When a man has barrett's esophagus, what does it mean?

Increased risk CA: Chronic reflux of stomach content can cause irritation and inflammation of esophagus. Can lead to cellular changes that can increase the risk for (glandular) cancer of the esophagus. Can be checked with endoscopy, follow up surveillance with endoscopy, rx the reflux. New nonsurgical rx for more advanced cases (still pre cancer). Aggressive rx for reflux lifelong.

Esophageal damage: Barrett esophagus is a condition in which, as a result of chronic esophageal reflux disease, the normal lining of the lower esophagus undergoes changes on a microscopic level that increase the patient's risk of lower esophageal cancer.

Gastric reflux: Man or woman, barrett's esophagus results from damage to the lining of the esophagus due to backing up of stomach acid and enzymes. It often causes heartburn and may lead to ulceration, bleeding, scarring and with time may be cancer. Initial treatment is usually with antacids, but surgery may be needed.

Increased cancerrisk: Barrett's esophagus is a change in the lining of the esophagus to more resemble the intestine. This is a protective measure by the body to protect agains acid reflux. However it is a pre-cancerous lesion, and should be followed by surveillance endoscopy.

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.