Barrett's Esophagus

Contents of this Article

Treatment of Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus has no cure, short of surgical removal of the esophagus, which is a serious operation. Surgery is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it.

Most physicians recommend treating * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with acid blocking drugs, since this is sometimes associated with improvement in the extent of the Barrett's tissue. However, this approach has not been proven to reduce the risk of cancer. Treating reflux with a surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also does not seem to cure Barrett's esophagus.

Several different experimental approaches are under study. One attempts to see whether destroying the Barrett's tissue by heat or other means through an endoscope can eliminate the condition. This approach, however, has potential risks and unknown effectiveness.

Normal Esophagus Metaplasia

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Pronounced - GAH-stroh-eh-SAW-fuh-JEE-ul REE-fluks duh-zeez
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus. Happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis. More about GERD.

References:
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Nexium - Esomeprazole Aciphex - Rabeprazole Prevacid - Lansoprazole Prilosec - Omeprazole Prilosec OCT Protonix - Pantoprazole

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool that is used to determine if you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese, and whether your health is at risk due to your weight.
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GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease - GERD

What is GERD? Causes of GERD Diet for GERD Infant GERD Children 1 - 11 Years Old Medication for GERD Symptoms of GERD GERD Surgery GERD Treatment

Heartburn Information

What is Heartburn? Causes of Heartburn Symptoms of Heartburn Heartburn Medications Heartburn Remedy

Ulcers

What is an Ulcer? Ulcer Causes and Risks Symptoms of Ulcers Treatment of Ulcers Ulcers & NSAIDs

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Can Flatulence Be Controlled? Lump In Throat Proton Pump Inhibitors Remedies for GERD

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