Barrett’s esophagus

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Esophagus and stomach anatomy

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Barrett’s esophagus

Symptoms:

Barrett's esophagus itself does not cause symptoms. The acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus results in symptoms of heartburn. Rarely, Barrett's esophagus can progress to cancer of the esophagus, which may cause difficulty swallowing or weight loss.

Signs and tests:

Looking at the esophagus with an endoscope and obtaining a sample of esophagus tissue for examination (esophagoscopy with biopsy) may reveal Barrett's esophagus.

Review Date: 10/18/2004
Reviewed By: Updates to specific sections made by Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D. Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (7/16/2004).

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