Points to Remember About Barrett's Esophagus

• In Barrett's esophagus, the cells lining the esophagus change and become similar to the cells lining the intestine.
  
  
• Barrett's esophagus is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
  
  
• A small number of people with Barrett's esophagus may develop esophageal cancer.
  
  
• Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy.
  
  
• People who have Barrett's esophagus should have periodic esophageal examinations.
  
  
• Taking acid-blocking drugs for GERD may result in improvements in Barrett's esophagus.
  
  
• Removal of the esophagus is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/index.htm