How Dangerous Is Barrett’s Esophagus And Can It Lead To Cancer?

Over time, esophagitis or reflux disease that are left untreated can lead to a dangerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus is characterized by a cellular change in the lining of the esophagus that may lead to esophageal cancer.

When Barrett’s esophagus occurs, the squamous cells (the cells that line the esophagus) change into different types of cells called columnar cells (a process called metaplasia).

When metaplasia occurs, the lining of the esophagus is damaged in a way that makes it thick and hardened (causing the lining of the esophagus to be replaced by a type of tissue similar to that normally found in the intestine) and thus prevents food from entering the stomach.

Metaplasia is an irreversible process in the vast majority of cases.

Barrett’s esophagus is uncommon among children and is most likely to occur among men over 45. About 5-20% of people with Barrett’s esophagus will develop cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is in most cases not curable, partly because most diagnoses are done in late stages when treatments are not effective.

This is the main reason why endoscopic screening is so important as it can monitor the changes made in the tissue of the esophagus. If the tissue looks suspicious, then a biopsy should be performed.

A small tissue from the lining of the esophagus is removed and examined by a pathologist.

It’s important to note that a surgical procedure for treating acid reflux will not cure Barrett’s esophagus.

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