Barrett's Esophagus occurs when chronic stomach acid reflux damages the normal lining of the esophagus, causing squamous cells to be replaced by columnar cells (a process called metaplasia). While it's not cancer, it raises your risk of developing esophageal cancer over time.
Early on, you may have no symptoms. As the condition progresses, you might experience:
Barrett's Esophagus develops when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. Major risk factors include:
Barrett's Esophagus needs attention-but it can be managed. Call GastroDoxs in Katy at 832-632-4070 or schedule your visit online today.
We've successfully treated more than 4.3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Barrett's metaplasia means that chronic acid exposure has replaced the normal squamous cells in your esophagus with columnar cells. This cellular change increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer and requires ongoing monitoring.
Barrett's itself isn't cancer, but it raises your risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. With early detection, regular surveillance, and appropriate treatment, most people manage their condition effectively and stay healthy.
You should steer clear of medications that can irritate the esophagus or worsen reflux, such as NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen), aspirin, and certain blood pressure drugs (for example, calcium channel blockers). Always consult your doctor before changing any medications.
Yes. By adopting lifestyle changes, taking prescribed acid-lowering medications, and attending regular endoscopic check-ups, most people with Barrett's Esophagus maintain a normal quality of life.
Dysplasia refers to precancerous alterations in the esophageal lining. Low-grade dysplasia usually means closer monitoring, while high-grade dysplasia often requires endoscopic treatments (like ablation) to remove abnormal tissue.
The annual risk of progressing to esophageal cancer is under 1% for most patients. However, that risk rises in the presence of dysplasia, making regular surveillance crucial to catch any changes early.
Treatment includes lifestyle modifications (diet changes, weight loss), proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid, and endoscopic therapies such as radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic mucosal resection for dysplastic areas.
Surveillance intervals depend on biopsy results: no dysplasia-every 3-5 years; low-grade dysplasia-every 6-12 months; high-grade dysplasia-evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
Histology is the microscopic study of biopsy samples from your esophagus. It reveals the type of cells present and detects any dysplasia, guiding your treatment and monitoring plan.
You should consult a specialist if you experience chronic acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, or have a family history of Barrett's or esophageal cancer. Early evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and timely management.
