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Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which there is an abnormal (metaplastic) change in the mucosal cells lining the lower portion of the esophagus, from stratified squamous epithelium to simple columnar epithelium with interspersed goblet cells that are normally present only in the small intestine and large intestine.
However, when present, symptoms may include difficulty swallowing , pain while swallowing (odynophagia), cough or globus sensation. [1] Whether esophageal inlet patches may cause other symptoms, such as chronic cough or laryngitis, is unclear. [1] Occasionally, esophageal inlet patches may be seen during a barium esophagram. [3]
People with Barrett's esophagus (a change in the cells lining the lower esophagus) are at much higher risk, [55] and may receive regular endoscopic screening for the early signs of cancer. [56] Because the benefit of screening for adenocarcinoma in people without symptoms is unclear, [ 2 ] it is not recommended in the United States. [ 1 ]
Chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori infection in the stomach and GERD in the esophagus are seen as the primary instigators of metaplasia and subsequent adenocarcinoma formation. Initially, the transformed epithelium resembles the small intestine lining; in the later stages it resembles the lining of the colon .
An upper endoscopy is a procedure to look at the esophagus by using an endoscope. While looking at the esophagus, the doctor is able to take a small biopsy. The biopsy can be used to confirm inflammation of the esophagus. An upper GI series uses a barium contrast, fluoroscopy, and an X-ray. During a barium X-ray, a solution with barium or pill ...
Spots of fresh or clotted blood were seen on the lesions in 25% of persons with anemia compared to 7% without anemia, also a significant difference, p<0.05. In the 109 persons in this study, 15 had reflux esophagitis, 11 had peptic ulcers, and 7 had Barrett's esophagus, but none of these findings correlated with anemia. Thus, in people with ...
Simple observation may be considered, [5] especially if symptoms are minimal or absent. If symptoms are severe or persistent, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) may be offered. [2] Pneumatic dilation may be used for persistent symptoms in the absence of identified causes of mechanical obstruction. [2]
Some people also experience a sensation known as globus esophagus, where it feels as if a ball is lodged in the lower part of the esophagus. The following are additional diseases and conditions that affect the esophagus: Achalasia [1] Acute esophageal necrosis; Barrett's esophagus; Boerhaave syndrome; Caustic injury to the esophagus; Chagas disease