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Home > Educational Information > Barrett's Esophagus [printable version]
WHAT IS BARRET'S ESOPHAGUS?
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, becoming similar ot the tissue that lines the intestines. A complication of GERD, it is more likely to occur in patients who had expereinced GERD at a young age, had nighttime symptoms or had complications such as bleeding or tricture (a narrowing due to scarring). Dysplasia, a precancerous change in the tissue, can develop in Barrett's tissue. Barrett's tissue is visible during endoscopy, although the dianosis by endoscopic appearance alone is not sufficient. The definitive diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus requres biopsy confirmation.
HOW DOES MY DOCTOR TEST FOR BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS ?
Your doctor will first perform an upper endoscopy to diagnose Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's tissue has a different appearance then the normal lining of the esophagus and is visible during endoscopy. Although the examination is very accurate your doctor will take a biopsies from the esophogaus to confirm dianosis. Your doctor can also use biopsies ot search for dysplasia, a precancerous change in the Barrett's tissue that is not visible to the endoscopist. Taking biopsies from the esophagus through the endoscope only slightly lengthens the procedure time, causes no discomfort and rarely causes complication. Your doctor can usually tell the results of your endoscopy after the procedure, but you will have to wait a few days for the biopsy results.
WHAT IS DYSPLASIA?
Dysplasia is a precancerous condition that doctors can diagnose by examining biopsy specimens under a microscope. If dysplasia is found on your biopsy, your doctor might recommend more frequent endoscopies. Your doctor will recommend an option based on the degree of the dysplasia and your overall medical condition.
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