• In Barrett’s esophagus, the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine.
• Barrett’s esophagus is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Improvement in GERD symptoms with acid-reducing drugs may decrease the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus.
• Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies.
• People who have Barrett’s esophagus should have periodic surveillance endoscopies and biopsies.
• Endoscopic treatments are used to destroy Barrett’s tissue, which will hopefully be replaced with normal esophageal tissue.
• Removal of most of the esophagus is recommended if a person with Barrett’s esophagus is found to have severe dysplasia or cancer and can tolerate a surgical procedure.
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