Barrett’s Esophagus Screening and Treatment Offered by Doctors at Mercy

Barrett’s esophagus is caused by chronic acid reflux, the same factor that causes GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. With Barrett’s esophagus, the reflux damages and changes the consistency of the esophagus lining. Normally, the esophagus contains flat cells. However, if these cells become damaged, the cells that lie deep in the esophagus lining have the potential, during the healing process, to transform themselves into different shapes and take on different functions. These cells often become cube shaped, which are the same kind found in the intestines. 

The most common symptom of Barrett’s esophagus is chronic heartburn. Barrett’s esophagus screening and routine surveillance procedures, such as chromoendoscopy, are recommended since Barrett’s esophagus is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus can be diagnosed by performing an endoscopic mucosal resection or an upper endoscopy followed by a biopsy of the esophagus.

An innovative and effective treatment option for Barrett’s esophagus is radiofrequency ablation. In addition, narrow band imaging can be used for targeted biopsies when Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed.