Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, becoming more like the lining of the small intestine. This change is considered a precancerous condition, but with the right care, you can effectively manage it.

A medical illustration comparing a healthy esophagus lining to one with Barrett’s Esophagus

What is Barrett’s Esophagus?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In a healthy esophagus, the lining consists of flat, squamous cells. In Barrett's esophagus, these cells are replaced by columnar cells, known as goblet cells, which are typically found in the intestines. This cellular change is called intestinal metaplasia.

This transformation is the body's attempt to protect the esophagus from chronic acid exposure. While Barrett’s esophagus does not cause symptoms, it is a significant risk factor for a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.

For this reason, regular monitoring by a gastroenterologist is essential to detect any precancerous changes (dysplasia).

Causes and Risk Factors

Barrett’s esophagus is primarily caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, it damages the sensitive lining. Over time, your body tries to heal this damage by replacing the normal esophageal cells with intestinal-type cells.

While long-standing GERD is the main trigger, certain factors increase your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus:

  • Chronic Heartburn/Acid Reflux: A history of GERD symptoms for more than 5 to 10 years significantly raises the risk.
  • Age: The condition is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 50.
  • Gender: Men are much more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus than women.
  • Race: It is more common in white populations.
  • Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases pressure on the stomach and worsens reflux.
  • Smoking: Current or past smoking is a known risk factor.
  • Family History: Having a close relative with Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer may increase your risk.

Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus itself produces no unique symptoms. The tissue change is "silent." Instead, most patients experience the symptoms of the underlying acid reflux (GERD) that caused the damage.

Common symptoms associated with the condition include:

  • Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or at night.
  • Regurgitation: Food or sour liquid backing up into the mouth.
  • Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A sensation of food sticking in the chest.
  • Chest Pain: Less common, but discomfort can occur.

It is important to note that some people with Barrett’s esophagus may have no symptoms at all, especially if the new lining has become less sensitive to acid.

Diagnosing Barrett’s Esophagus

Because there are often no specific symptoms, diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the esophagus.

Diagnostic procedures include:

An upper endoscopy is the most reliable method for diagnosing this condition. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera is passed down the throat to examine the esophagus.

During the endoscopy, the doctor will remove small tissue samples (biopsies) from the abnormal lining. These samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of intestinal cells (goblet cells) and to check for precancerous changes (dysplasia).

Treatment and Management Options

The goal of treatment is to control acid reflux to prevent further damage and to monitor the esophagus for any signs of cancer. The approach depends on the severity of the cell changes found in the biopsy.

Treatment strategies include:

For patients with no dysplasia (no precancerous changes), we typically recommend regular endoscopies every 3 to 5 years to monitor the tissue.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed to suppress acid production and heal the esophageal lining.

If precancerous changes (dysplasia) are found, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments to remove or destroy the abnormal tissue without major surgery.

Uses heat energy to destroy the Barrett’s tissue, allowing healthy cells to grow back.

Lifting and cutting out the abnormal tissue during an endoscopy.

Using extreme cold to freeze and destroy the abnormal cells.

Find Barrett's Esophagus Care in Westlake or Brooklyn, OH

Managing a Barrett’s esophagus diagnosis requires long-term monitoring, but you don't have to do it alone. The specialists at North Shore Gastroenterology provide the expert surveillance and advanced care you need to stay healthy.

Contact North Shore Gastroenterology today at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a visit.