The Seriousness of Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a condition that can lead to a bigger, more serious condition – esophageal cancer. There are two types of Barrett’s esophagus, the long-segment or the short segment disease. Long-segment BE is when abnormal cells affect at least 3 cm or more of the esophagus and occurs in up to 7% of those with acid reflux. Short-segment BE affects less than 3 cm of the esophagus and is the more common form of Barrett’s esophagus affecting up to 17% of those with acid reflux.
You may be at risk for Barrett’s esophagus if you have advanced stage erosive esophagitis. Obese males over age 40 are at a higher risk for developing Barrett’s esophagus. Individuals can have Barrett’s esophagus and not have any symptoms. Recent research shows that individuals may have a specific immune factor for developing Barrett’s esophagus.
A serious complication of acid reflux is when Barrett’s esophagus leads to esophageal cancer. This is a particularly tough cancer to cure and has only a 5-year survival rate for 15% of those diagnosed with it. Typically those diagnosed with esophageal cancer already have a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus. Research indicates that acid reflux contributes to the development of Barrett’s esophagus and then to esophageal cancer.
Because of the seriousness of esophageal cancer it is very important that all individuals diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus be closely monitored for any evidence of esophageal cancer by using a procedure called endoscopy. It is also important to monitor closely those individuals who have acid reflux and are at high risk for Barrett’s esophagus. Endoscopy also is used to screen acid reflux patients for Barrett’s esophagus. Males who are obese and Caucasian and have acid reflux are in the highest risk group for Barrett’s esophagus, especially is their acid reflux is chronic.
Individuals who receive regular monitoring are more likely to catch any serious complications from Barrett’s esophagus early on, when the chance for the five-year survival is greatest. If you knew you were going to die of cancer being able to have those extra five years can be pretty important.
What makes Barrett’s esophagus so serious is also the fact that there are no treatments that can reverse the cellular damage done by Barrett’s esophagus once it has developed.
Medications can be used to suppress the acid including proton-pump inhibitors. The individual may not have any more symptoms only to have the condition return after a few months from when the drugs are discontinued. When this occurs and the condition is chronic the medications may have to be taken for life. It is not known if acid-blockers have any protective value against esophageal cancer in patients with acid reflux.
