What is Barrett's Esophagus?
Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which there are changes in the cells of the lining of the esophagus.
How is Barrett's esophagus diagnosed?
The Gastroenterologist uses an endoscope to perform an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). It may also be called a gastroscopy or upper endoscopy. During this procedure the gastroenterologist takes small samples (biopsies) of tissue from the esophagus. These tissues, or specimens, are sent to the pathology laboratory. There the pathologist (a physician who specializes in looking at specimens through a microscope) is able to determine if the tissue sample shows changes at the cellular level in the area of the lower esophagus. The specimen may contain normal cells, specialized columnar epithelium, or dysplasia. Dysplasia is a precursor of cancer.
What is the treatment for Barrett's?
The treatment of Barrett's esophagus is surveillance of the area by repeating the EGD according to guidelines recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), which sets standards for practice in the area of GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy.