What is Barrett's esophagus?
In a Barrett's esophagus the mucous membrane has been changed in the lower part of the esophagus. In a healthy esophagus is the mucous membrane white, at a Barrett's esophagus is a part of the mucous membrane pink. This pink mucosa is similar to the mucous membrane in the stomach. It seems that the lining of the stomach has grown into the esophagus.
People with Barrett's esophagus have a slightly higher risk of esophageal cancer. About three out of a hundred people with Barrett get esophageal cancer.
Barrett's esophagus is most common in white men over fifty.
What causes barrett's esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus is caused by heartburn. This is called reflux.
Do you often suffer from heartburn, then the lining of the esophagus may be damaged. Why this happens in some people and not others is not known.
Barrett's esophagus symptoms
Some people with Barrett's esophagus have no complaints. Others have for years suffered from heartburn. The symptoms that go with his belching and pain in the sternum.
By heartburn can become inflamed esophagus. Also this allows you to have pain near the breastbone.
Furthermore, you may have difficulty swallowing and the feeling that your food does not sink well.
Treatment for Barrett's esophagus
If you have Barrett's esophagus, there are several treatments available:
- Antacids make sure that the fabric does not get damaged further. They heal the esophagus is not.
- Keyhole surgery (gastroscopy). In a Barrett's esophagus can develop an early form of cancer. The doctor can remove the unhealthy tissue sometimes with keyhole surgery. After treatment you should swallow long antacids, so that healthy tissue can grow.
- Radiofrequency ablation. The doctor inserts a small balloon into the esophagus and heat. This allows the mucous membrane dies. Even after this treatment you should swallow long antacids.
How the doctor finds that you have Barrett's esophagus?
If the doctor suspects that you have Barrett's esophagus, it will do a check examination of the esophagus (endoscopy). She looks for an inflammation in the esophagus and whether the tissue looks different. She takes during the investigation also a few small pieces of tissue away. These go to the lab for further study. Only when the tissue is examined, the doctor can say for sure whether you have Barrett's esophagus.