Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is an acquired condition resulting from a severe injury to the esophageal mucosa, and its clinical significance lies in its potential progression to esophageal cancer.
Patients with Barrett’s esophagus carry a 30- to 50-fold increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
It is estimated that out of all individuals undergoing an upper endoscopy due to reflux symptoms, Barrett’s esophagus will be found in 10% to 14% of them.
The average age for developing Barrett’s esophagus is 40 years old, but the average age at diagnosis is 63, which suggests that this condition can remain undiagnosed for a period of 20 years or more.
The presence of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms is a risk factor for developing Barrett’s esophagus, as is being a carrier of a large hiatal hernia.
The most frequent symptoms in Barrett’s esophagus are pyrosis (heartburn), regurgitation (the backflow of food), and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or solids).
Treatment must be customized to each patient based on endoscopic findings, age, comorbidities, and therapeutic adherence.
