Barrett's esophagus

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the color and composition of the cells lining your lower esophagus change because of repeated exposure to stomach acid. This exposure to stomach acid is most often a result of long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic regurgitation of acid from your stomach into your lower esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is uncommon. Only a small percentage of people with GERD develop Barrett's esophagus. But once Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed, there's a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer. Although increased, the absolute risk of esophageal cancer for someone with Barrett's esophagus is small — less than 1 percent a year.

You can eliminate or reduce the frequency of stomach acids flowing up into the lower end of your esophagus — and your chance of developing Barrett's esophagus — by making lifestyle changes.

Symptoms