what is barretts esopogus?

edwina

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2004

Posts : 75

Posted 3/14/2005 11:32 PM (GMT 0)

i had the thing down the throat done, they found alot wrong and said also that...

but i was never told nothing about it, and i go to dr the end of this month... thank you

wheels

New Member

Joined : Mar 2005

Posts : 16

Posted 3/15/2005 10:59 AM (GMT 0)

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes from its normal lining to a type that is usually found in the intestines. It is considered a precancerous condition. It is generally caused from years of GERD. It is believed that this change is the result of chronic regurgitation (reflux) of the stomach contents up into the esophagus. The contents of the stomach contain digestive acid and other chemicals which damage the normal lining of the esophagus.

In the healing process, the wrong type of cells grow to repair the damaged areas. This phenomenon is referred to as "metaplasia" and, in the case of the esophagus, intestinal metaplasia replaces the normal squamous type cells which line the esophagus. This happens in about 10-15% of people who have long-term reflux.

Many people have Barrett's esophagus, are treated with meds such as PPI's and never develop cancer. They are monitored by endoscopy every 6 months or a year and routine biopsy's are performed.

edwina

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2004

Posts : 75

Posted 3/15/2005 11:20 AM (GMT 0)

oh my goodness, i sure thank you tho for letting me know. you know- i never even knew i had gerds to begin with...i was so used to feeling lousy, i just figured that was part of it..
thank you again. :)

Kelleigh

New Member

Joined : Aug 2005

Posts : 7

Posted 8/23/2005 11:37 PM (GMT 0)

Barrett's Esophagus is also treatable at Thompson Cancer Center in Knoxville, TN with laser. People come from all over the world to have the Barrett's treated here.

Teri16

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2003

Posts : 5230

Posted 8/24/2005 2:32 AM (GMT 0)

Wheels, that was a great explanation! :)

Edwina, I have GERD, a hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus and until very recently I also had mild dysplasia. That's the start of the changes that they look for with cancer. I watch my diet and never eat before going to bed at night, or I pay for that. :) I prop myself up a bit at night and take aciphex and zantac. My last EGD (Endoscopy) showed that while I still had Barrett's esophagus, the mild dysplasia was gone!! So something's working - I plan to continue what I've been doing and hopefully, I won't have to worry.

Good luck and my best wishes to you! Hugs, Teri :)

Hugs, Teri :)

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