Barrett's esophagus.

Abstract

The development of the columnar-lined lower esophagus, or Barrett's disease, is an acquired condition due to reflux of gastric and duodenal contents. The medical treatment of patients with reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus is currently the same as for patients with reflux without Barrett's disease which may indicate more aggressive antireflux control. Constant surveillance of the Barrett's mucosa remains important. The progression of squamous epithelium to Barrett's metaplasia and eventually invasive carcinoma in a subgroup of patients is well described and becoming more frequent. The discovery of this carcinogenic process is becoming extremely important as it may help improve the dismal long-term prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.