What is barrett's esophagus?

The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid to your stomach. Barrett's esophagus, or Barrett's syndrome, is a condition in which the cells that line the esophagus start to change. They start to look like the cells that line the stomach and intestines.

When you have Barrett's, you are slightly more likely to get cancer of the esophagus. So regular testing is important, even if you don't have symptoms. It helps your doctor watch for signs of more changes that may lead to cancer.

If tests show that the cells continue to change and could become cancer, that change is called dysplasia.

Barrett's esophagus doesn't cause symptoms. But it's usually caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main symptom of GERD is heartburn. This is a burning feeling just behind your breastbone. You may also have regurgitation. Symptoms may be worse when you lie down or bend forward.

Your doctor can find Barrett's esophagus only through a test called endoscopy. It can't be found through symptoms, a physical exam, or blood tests.

During endoscopy, your doctor uses a tube called an endoscope. The tube is passed through your mouth, down your throat, and into your esophagus. Your doctor will look at the esophagus through the tube. The doctor may take a small piece of tissue (biopsy). This tissue is sent to a lab. The lab tests it for Barrett's esophagus.

If you have Barrett's esophagus, your doctor may suggest that you have endoscopy on a regular schedule. This lets your doctor check for cell changes and cancer. Your doctor will tell you how often you need this test.

Treatment for Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia most often involves having a procedure to remove or destroy the changing cells. There are a few ways to do this. Your doctor may:

• Use heat to destroy the cells. This is called radiofrequency ablation.
• Freeze the cells to destroy them. This is called cryosurgery or cryotherapy.
• Cut out the damaged tissue. This is called endoscopic resectioning.

If you don't have dysplasia, your doctor will recommend taking medicines that treat GERD, such as proton pump inhibitors. These medicines can help reduce your risk for esophageal cancer.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• If you take over-the-counter medicine, such as antacids or acid reducers, follow all instructions on the label. If you use these medicines often, talk with your doctor. Be careful when you take over-the-counter antacid medicines. Many of these medicines have aspirin in them. Read the label to make sure that you are not taking more than the recommended dose. Too much aspirin can be harmful.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking can make gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. These may include chocolate, mint, alcohol, pepper, spicy foods, high-fat foods, or drinks with caffeine in them, such as tea, coffee, colas, or energy drinks. If your symptoms are worse after you eat a certain food, you may want to stop eating it to see if your symptoms get better.
• Eat smaller meals, and more often. After eating, wait 2 to 3 hours before you lie down.
• Raise the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm) by putting blocks under the frame or a foam wedge under the head of the mattress. Adding extra pillows does not work.
• Do not wear tight clothing around your midsection.
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds can help.
• Go to regular follow-up testing, even if you don't have symptoms. It helps your doctor watch for signs of more changes that may lead to cancer.