What is Barrett’s oesophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus is where the lining of the oesophagus changes to become similar to the lining seen within the stomach. The risk is associated with Barrett’s oesophagus is that it rarely can turn to cancer
What are the causes of Barrett’s oesophagus
It is normally seen in patients with reflux. Other risk factors include smoking, being overweight and increasing age.
What are the symptoms of Barrett’s oesophagus
The condition is normally asymptomatic and is picked up incidentally when performing a gastroscopy. Patients often have reflux and may have some difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
An endoscopy would show Barrett’s which would then be confirmed by taking biopsies.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the results of the biopsies. You may require repeat endoscopy in a few years time if the biopsies show no precancerous change and treatment of any reflux. However if some changes are present you may require more earlier repeat gastroscopy with other treatment modalities that may involve removing the segment of Barrett’s that is of concern.