Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the lower esophagus — the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach — changes to resemble the lining of the intestine. It usually develops after years of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach acid repeatedly irritates the esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus is not cancer, and most people who have it never develop cancer. It does, however, somewhat increase the risk of a cancer of the esophagus, which is why doctors keep an eye on it over time.
Common symptoms
Barrett's esophagus does not cause symptoms of its own. Most people learn they have it during an evaluation for long-standing reflux symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, or chest discomfort. Some people with Barrett's esophagus have never had noticeable heartburn at all.
How it is diagnosed
The only way to diagnose Barrett's esophagus is with an upper endoscopy. While you are sedated, the doctor passes a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the mouth and examines the esophagus. Small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken and reviewed under a microscope to confirm the change and to check for precancerous cells, called dysplasia.
Treatment and monitoring
Management focuses on controlling reflux and watching the tissue over time. Acid-reducing medicines, along with steps such as weight management and avoiding late meals, help protect the esophagus.
Your gastroenterologist will recommend a schedule of periodic surveillance endoscopies based on your biopsy results. If dysplasia is found, treatments performed through the endoscope can remove or destroy the abnormal tissue, with the goal of treating it before it progresses.
When to contact a gastroenterologist
Talk with a gastroenterologist if you have had heartburn or reflux for many years, especially if it occurs several times a week or requires daily medicine. Difficulty swallowing, food sticking, unintended weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools deserve prompt evaluation. If you have already been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, keep your recommended surveillance appointments even when you feel well.
Take-home information sheet
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Questions about your care?
This page is general education, not personal medical advice. Your care team is happy to talk through what it means for you.