Barrett's Esophagus
On this page:
- What is Barrett’s esophagus?
- What is the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
- How common is Barrett’s esophagus and who is affected?
- What causes Barrett’s esophagus?
- What factors lower a person’s risk of Barrett’s esophagus?
- How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?
- What is the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in people with Barrett’s esophagus?
- How is Barrett’s esophagus treated?
- Eating, Diet, and Nutrition
- Points to Remember
- Hope through Research
- For More Information
- Acknowledgments
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus—the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach—is replaced by tissue that is similar to the intestinal lining. This process is called intestinal metaplasia. People with Barrett’s esophagus are at increased risk for a rare type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.
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What is the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
The upper GI tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The stomach slowly pumps the food and liquids into the intestine, which then absorbs needed nutrients. This process is automatic and people are usually not aware of it, though people sometimes feel their esophagus when they swallow something too large, try to eat too quickly, or drink very hot or cold liquids.
The muscular layers of the esophagus are normally pinched together at both the upper and lower ends by muscles called sphincters. When a person swallows, the sphincters relax to allow food or drink to pass from the mouth into the stomach. The muscles then close rapidly to prevent the food or drink from leaking out of the stomach back into the esophagus and mouth.
The upper GI tract
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How common is Barrett’s esophagus and who is affected?
The true prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus is unknown, but it is estimated to affect 1.6 to 6.8 percent of people.1 The average age at diagnosis is 55, but determining when the problem started is usually difficult. Men develop Barrett’s esophagus twice as often as women, and Caucasian men are affected more frequently than men of other races. Barrett’s esophagus is uncommon in children.2
1Gilbert EW, Luna RA, Harrison VL, Hunter JG. Barrett’s esophagus: a review of the literature. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2011;15:708–718.
2Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Barrett esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. In: Yamada T, ed. Textbook of Gastroenterology. Vol. 1. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell; 2009: 826–848.
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What causes Barrett’s esophagus?
The exact cause of Barrett’s esophagus is unknown, but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a risk factor for the condition. GERD is a more serious, chronic&emdash;or long lasting&emdash;form of gastroesophageal reflux, a condition in which stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. Refluxed stomach acid that touches the lining of the esophagus can cause heartburn and damage the cells in the esophagus. Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is an uncomfortable, burning feeling in the midchest, behind the breastbone, or in the upper part of the abdomen—the area between the chest and hips. More information about GERD can be found in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse fact sheet Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Adults at www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov.
Between 5 and 10 percent of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus.3 Other risk factors include obesity&emdash;specifically high levels of belly fat&emdash;and smoking. Some studies suggest that genetics, or inherited genes, may play a role.
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What factors lower a person’s risk of Barrett’s esophagus?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may decrease the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus. H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach that damages the stomach and the tissue in the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The mechanism by which H. pylori provides protection from Barrett’s esophagus is unclear. While the bacteria damage the stomach and the tissue in the duodenum, some researchers believe the bacteria can actually make the stomach contents less damaging to the esophagus when GERD is present. Other factors that may reduce the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus include frequent use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and high intake of fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.
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How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?
Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed with an upper GI endoscopy and biopsy. Upper GI endoscopy involves using an endoscope—a small, flexible tube with a light—to see the upper GI tract. The test is performed at a hospital or outpatient center by a gastroenterologist—a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases. The endoscope is carefully fed down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits a video image to a monitor, allowing close examination of the intestinal lining. A person may receive a liquid anesthetic that is gargled or sprayed on the back of the throat. An intravenous (IV) needle is placed in a vein in the arm if general anesthesia is given. The test may show changes in the esophageal lining.
The gastroenterologist performs a biopsy with the endoscope by taking a small piece of tissue from the esophageal lining for examination with a microscope. The person will not feel the biopsy. A pathologist—a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases—examines the tissue in a lab to determine whether Barrett’s esophagus cells are present. The test results may need to be confirmed by a pathologist who has expertise in diagnosing this condition.
Normal esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is often diagnosed when a person has an upper GI endoscopy for GERD symptoms. Some health care providers may recommend that people with multiple risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus be tested.
Barrett’s esophagus can be difficult to diagnose because not all tissue in the esophagus is affected. The gastroenterologist takes biopsy samples from at least eight different areas of the esophageal lining, but may not take the samples from the part of the esophagus with cells showing the condition. Barrett’s tissue does not look different from normal tissue when viewed through the endoscope. The difference can only be seen with a microscope. Researchers are working on improved methods for diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus.
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What is the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in people with Barrett’s esophagus?
The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in people with Barrett’s esophagus is about 0.5 percent per year.2 Typically, before esophageal adenocarcinoma develops, precancerous cells appear in the Barrett’s tissue. This condition is called dysplasia and is classified as low grade or high grade.
Barrett’s esophagus may be present for many years before cancer develops. A periodic upper GI endoscopy with biopsy is often used to monitor people with Barrett’s esophagus and watch for signs of cancer development. This approach is called surveillance. Experts have not reached a consensus regarding how often surveillance endoscopies should be performed; therefore, people with Barrett’s esophagus should talk with their health care provider to determine what level of surveillance is best for them. In most cases, more frequent endoscopies are recommended for people with high-grade dysplasia compared with low-grade or no dysplasia.
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How is Barrett’s esophagus treated?
A health care provider will discuss treatment options for Barrett’s esophagus based on the person’s overall health, whether dysplasia is present, and, if so, the severity of the dysplasia. Treatment options include medication, endoscopic ablative therapies, endoscopic mucosal resection, and surgery.
Medications
People with Barrett’s esophagus who have GERD are treated with acid-suppressing medications, called proton pump inhibitors. These medications are used to prevent further damage to the esophagus and, in some cases, heal existing damage. Proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and esomeprazole (Nexium), which are available by prescription. Omeprazole and lansoprazole are also available in over-the-counter strength. Anti-reflux surgery may be considered for people with GERD symptoms who do not respond to medications. However, medications or surgery for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus have not been shown to lower a person’s risk of dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Endoscopic ablative therapies
Endoscopic ablative therapies use different techniques to destroy the dysplastic cells in the esophagus. The body should then begin making normal esophageal cells. These procedures are performed by a radiologist—a doctor who specializes in medical imaging—at certain hospitals and outpatient centers. Local anesthesia and a sedative are used. The procedures most often used are photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation.
- Photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy uses a light-activated chemical called porfimer (Photofrin), an endoscope, and a laser to kill precancerous cells in the esophagus. When porfimer is exposed to laser light, it produces a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells. Porfimer is injected into a vein, and the person returns 24 to 72 hours later to complete the procedure. The laser light passes through the endoscope and activates the porfimer to destroy Barrett’s tissue in the esophagus. Complications of photodynamic therapy include sensitivity of the skin and eyes to light for about 6 weeks after the procedure; burns, swelling, pain, and scarring in nearby healthy tissue; and coughing, trouble swallowing, stomach pain, painful breathing, and shortness of breath.
- Radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to kill precancerous and cancerous cells. An electrode mounted on a balloon or endoscope delivers heat energy to the Barrett’s tissue. Complications include chest pain, cuts in the mucosal layer of the esophagus, and strictures—narrowing of the esophagus. Clinical trials have shown a lower incidence of side effects for radiofrequency ablation compared with photodynamic therapy.
- Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the intestinal lining.
- The true prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus is unknown, but it is estimated to affect 1.6 to 6.8 percent of people.
- The exact cause of Barrett’s esophagus is unknown, but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a risk factor for the condition.
- Between 5 and 10 percent of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus. Other risk factors include obesity—specifically high levels of belly fat—and smoking. Some studies suggest that genetics, or inherited genes, may play a role.
- Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy.
- The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in people with Barrett’s esophagus is about 0.5 percent per year.
- A health care provider will discuss treatment options for Barrett’s esophagus based on the person’s overall health, whether dysplasia is present, and, if so, the severity of the dysplasia.
- Treatment options include medication, endoscopic ablative therapies, endoscopic mucosal resection, and surgery.
- establishing additional tests to identify people with Barrett’s esophagus
- identifying the causes of Barrett’s esophagus
- studying the long-term effectiveness of treatments such as photodynamic therapy and endoscopic mucosal resection
- developing additional nonsurgical treatments for people who have Barrett’s esophagus and dysplasia or cancer
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Endoscopic mucosal resection involves lifting the Barrett’s lining and injecting a solution underneath or applying suction to the lining and then cutting the lining off. The lining is then removed with an endoscope. The procedure is performed by a radiologist at certain hospitals and outpatient centers. Local anesthesia and a sedative are used. If endoscopic mucosal resection is used to treat cancer, an endoscopic ultrasound is done first to make sure the cancer involves only the top layer of esophageal cells. Ultrasound uses a device, called a transducer, that bounces safe, painless sound waves off organs to create an image of their structure.
Complications can include bleeding or tearing of the esophagus. Endoscopic mucosal resection is sometimes used in combination with photodynamic therapy.
Surgery
Surgery for Barrett’s esophagus is an alternative; however, endoscopic therapies are preferred by many health care providers due to fewer complications following the procedure.
Esophagectomy is surgical removal of the affected sections of the esophagus. After removal, the esophagus is rebuilt from part of the stomach or large intestine. The procedure is performed by a surgeon at a hospital, and general anesthesia is used. The patient stays in the hospital for 7 to 14 days after the surgery to recover. Surgery may not be an option for people with Barrett’s esophagus who have other medical problems. For these people, the less-invasive endoscopic treatments or continued intensive surveillance would be considered.
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Eating, Diet, and Nutrition
People can make dietary changes to lower their risk of Barrett’s esophagus. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, and vitamins may help prevent the disease. In addition, for people who are overweight, losing weight may reduce their risk. People should talk with their health care provider about dietary changes that can help prevent Barrett’s esophagus.
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Points to Remember
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Hope through Research
The National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the National Cancer Institute sponsor research programs to investigate Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Further research into Barrett’s esophagus is needed, including
Clinical trials are research studies involving people. Clinical trials look at safe and effective new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. To learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate, visit the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You website at www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials. For information about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
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For More Information
American College of Gastroenterology
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American Gastroenterological Association
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American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Phone: 1–866–353–ASGE (1–866–353–2743) or 630–573–0600
Fax: 630–573–0691
Email: info@asge.org
Internet: www.asge.org
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217–8076
Phone: 1–888–964–2001 or 414–964–1799
Fax: 414–964–7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org
National Cancer Institute
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Bethesda, MD 20892–8322
Phone: 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
Fax: 301–496–0846
Internet: www.cancer.gov
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
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Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: 310–437–0544
Fax: 310–437–0585
Email: webmaster@sages.org
Internet: www.sages.org
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Acknowledgments
Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This publication was originally reviewed by G. Richard Locke, M.D., Mayo Clinic, and Joel Richter, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
You may also find additional information about this topic by visiting MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.
This publication may contain information about medications. When prepared, this publication included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov. Consult your health care provider for more information.
The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.
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National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
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Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the Clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NDDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases.
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NIH Publication No. 13–4546
February 2013
Page last updated January 22, 2013
