Barrett’s esophagus is a change in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. Over time, ongoing acid reflux can cause that lining to become thickened and reddened so that it resembles the lining of the stomach. This condition is found in up to 6.8 percent of Americans, and it matters because it substantially raises the risk of esophageal cancer.
The good news is that most people with Barrett’s esophagus never develop cancer, especially when the condition is found early and watched closely. Our gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon diagnose it, keep an eye on it over time, and help you manage the reflux that drives it.
What causes it
Barrett’s esophagus is closely tied to chronic acid reflux. When stomach acid washes back into the esophagus again and again, it irritates and slowly changes the cells of the lining. About 10 to 15 percent of people with persistent acid reflux go on to develop Barrett’s esophagus. If you have long-standing GERD or frequent heartburn, you have a higher chance of developing it.
Symptoms
Barrett’s esophagus often has no symptoms of its own. Many people feel the symptoms of the acid reflux behind it, such as frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or trouble swallowing, while others have very little to go on. Because the changes in the lining are silent, the condition is frequently found during testing for reflux rather than because of new complaints.
How we diagnose it
We diagnose Barrett’s esophagus with an upper endoscopy, a short procedure done under sedation. Using a thin, flexible camera, your gastroenterologist looks directly at the lining of the esophagus and takes small tissue samples, called a biopsy. Those samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and to check for any early cell changes that need closer attention.
How we treat and monitor it
The cornerstone of care is bringing your acid reflux under control. For most people, that means a combination of acid-reducing medication along with diet and lifestyle changes, such as adjusting meals, managing weight, and avoiding triggers that worsen reflux.
Because Barrett’s esophagus raises cancer risk, we also recommend ongoing surveillance with periodic endoscopy so we can catch any changes early. When biopsies show more advanced cell changes, we may recommend a procedure to treat the affected tissue. We tailor the plan and the follow-up schedule to your individual risk.
When to see us
If you have had frequent heartburn or acid reflux for years, it is worth being evaluated, even if the reflux feels manageable. Finding Barrett’s esophagus early gives us the best opportunity to monitor it and lower your long-term risk.
The Gastroenterology Group welcomes new patients in Akron and Massillon, Ohio, and no referral is needed for a screening colonoscopy. To schedule an evaluation, call us at (330) 869-0954 and we will help you take the next step.