Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus, which is also known as Barrett's esophagus can result from chronic, repeated backup of stomach acid and content (also known as acid reflux) into the esophagus. As this process continues over time, tissue is repeatedly injured esophagus.

The body has a wonderful coping mechanism in case of injury: he tries to heal the wounds in the production of new cells and the formation of scar tissue. But what happens when injuries occur again and again for days, months or years? Even the body, with its wonderful healing powers, has its limits, and in the case of Barrett's esophagus, the cells of the esophagus from normal to abnormal changes.

When the cells of the esophagus transfer (a process called metaplasia), they become more similar to those found in the stomach to cope with the constant flow of stomach contents and acid. Anywhere from 9-15% of those who suffer from chronic acid reflux will be the presentation of cellular and conversion.

The irony of this is that acid reflux patients can actually feel some relief from their painful symptoms and may wrongly think there is a certain improvement in the state. The result? People who do not have the pain of acid reflux or who have less of it are unlikely to seek medical attention, mistakenly believe that their condition improves.

As esophageal tissue damage continues unchecked, the cell mutation also advances to a new phase. The less healthy cells grow in metaplastic dysplastic cells, a precancerous condition that occurs silently. For a person who has Barrett's esophagus, the chance of developing cancer of the esophagus is 30-100 times higher than the person without acid reflux. The significance of this statistic should not be lost to anyone.

More sobering is this statistic: Cancer of the esophagus and the stomach cancer is among the most deadly of all gastrointestinal malignant tumors, with a mortality rate exceeding 80% after five years. Perhaps this is due to a later diagnosis, which means a worse prognosis.

However, there is hope. New technologies are developed for the early detection of cancer of the esophagus. Scientists are studying the markers in the blood of those who have Barrett's esophagus and comparing them with markers in the blood of those without this condition. Thus, new therapeutic options are considered to prolong life without compromising the quality of life.

patient education intervention, as well as early detection and effective, is the key in the fight to reduce the mortality rate of esophageal cancer. Further study of Barrett's esophagus is likely to give answers that will make this reality.