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Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach, changes so that some of its lining is replaced by a type of tissue similar to that normally found in the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia. While Barrett's esophagus may cause no symptoms itself, a small number of people with this

The esophagus seems to have only one important function in the body—to carry food, liquids, and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. The stomach then acts as a container to start digestion and pump food and liquids into the intestines in a controlled process. Food can then be properly digested over time, and nutrients can be absorbed by the intestines. The esophagus transports food to the

Having occasional liquid or gas reflux is considered normal. When it happens frequently, particularly when not trying to belch, and causes other symptoms, it is considered a medical problem or disease. However, it is not necessarily a serious one that requires seeing a physician. The stomach produces acid and enzymes to digest food. When this mixture refluxes into the esophagus more frequently

The exact causes of Barrett's esophagus are not known, but it is thought to be caused in part by the same factors that cause GERD. Although people who do not have heartburn can have Barrett's esophagus, it is found about three to five times more often in people with this condition. Barrett's esophagus is uncommon in children. The average age at diagnosis is 60, but it is usually difficult to

Barrett's esophagus does not cause symptoms itself and is important only because it seems to precede the development of a particular kind of cancer—esophageal adenocarcinoma. The risk of developing adenocarcinoma is 30 to 125 times higher in people who have Barrett's esophagus than in people who do not. This type of cancer is increasing rapidly in white men. This increase may be related to the

Barrett's esophagus can only be diagnosed by an upper GI endoscopy to obtain biopsies of the esophagus. At present, it cannot be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, physical exam, or blood tests. In an upper GI endoscopy, a flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a light and miniature camera, is passed into the esophagus. If the tissue appears suspicious, then biopsies must be done. A biopsy

Barrett's esophagus has no cure, short of surgical removal of the esophagus, which is a serious operation. Surgery is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it. Most physicians recommend treating GERD with acid-blocking drugs, since this is sometimes associated with improvement in the extent of the Barrett's tissue. However, this approach has not

Many important questions about Barrett's esophagus need further research to find better ways to identify people who have the problem find out what causes it test treatments that may prevent or eliminate it find better treatments for people who have Barrett's esophagus with cancer The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Cancer Institute

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

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Inc. P.O. Box 170864 Milwaukee, WI 53217 Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799 Fax: 414-964-7176 Email: iffgd@iffgd.org Internet: www.iffgd.org National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Institutes of Health 31 Center Drive Building 31, Room 10A-19 Bethesda, MD 20892 Phone: 301-496-6641 Fax: