Barrett’s Esophagus
The esophagus (ĕ-sof´ah-gus) is the hollow, muscular tube that moves food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. A ring of muscle fibers at the bottom of the esophagus keeps the stomach contents from moving backward.

In some people, the muscles of the esophagus don’t work properly so the contents of their stomach flow backward into their esophagus on a regular basis (chronic acid reflux). Barrett's esophagus can occur when the reflux continually damages the lining of your esophagus.

No one knows how many people have Barrett’s esophagus, but it is estimated to affect one in every 15 people. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that Barrett’s esophagus occurs twice as often in men than in women and more often among Caucasians than any other race. 

Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus
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Causes

Many doctors agree that the main cause of Barrett’s esophagus is recurring reflux of acid or other stomach contents into the esophagus, which damages the esophageal lining. 

It is also thought that some people are predisposed to developing Barrett’s esophagus based on their genetic makeup.

Drawing of a microscopic piece of the esophagus showing the abnormal tissue of Barrett’s esophagus.

Drawing of a microscopic piece of the esophagus showing the abnormal tissue of Barrett’s esophagus.

Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus
Heartburn
A burning sensation in the chest
Reflux
Backing up of stomach acids that may taste sour or bitter 
Dyspepsia
Stomach discomfort with nausea or bloating after eating
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Symptoms

Barrett’s esophagus usually does not cause any signs or symptoms, but there is a strong relationship to long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus may be similar to those of GERD:

  • A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) 
  • Backing up of stomach acids (reflux) with a sour or bitter taste in your mouth
  • Stomach discomfort (dyspepsia) with nausea or bloating after eating

See more information on gastroesophageal reflux disease 

If you have a history of heartburn or acid reflux or have been diagnosed with GERD, ask your doctor about your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus. You can print these sample questions to use as a basis for discussion with your doctor. 

People with Barrett's esophagus have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
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Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The only way to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus is with an upper endoscopy and biopsy. During an endoscopy a long flexible tube with a camera is placed through your mouth into your esophagus. You will be given a sedative before the procedure, so it may feel uncomfortable but will not be painful.

For more information, visit our common diagnostic tests page.

Endoscopic view of Barrett’s esophagus
Endoscopic view of Barrett’s esophagus

If your esophagus shows signs of damage, your doctor will remove a small sample of tissue (biopsy) that will be examined under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis. The biopsy also will be used to check for signs of cancer or precancerous changes (dysplasia). 

If the biopsy confirms the presence of Barrett’s esophagus without the presence of precancerous cells, your doctor likely will recommend that you have periodic repeat endoscopies to continually monitor for any signs of esophageal cancer. This is done as a precaution because cancer can develop years after diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus.

No medications can reverse Barrett’s esophagus, but there are things you can do to improve acid reflux symptoms and slow the development of Barrett’s esophagus. Your treatment will vary depending on whether your doctor found precancerous or cancerous cells during your biopsy. 

If your biopsy did not show cancerous cells, your treatment may consist mainly of lifestyle and diet changes to reduce and control acid reflux, including: 

  • Limiting fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, and caffeine 
  • Reducing intake of alcohol
  • Avoiding tobacco use
  • Losing weight

Your doctor also may prescribe medications to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces (proton pump inhibitors) or recommend antacids after meals and at bedtime.  

If cancerous cells were found in your biopsy, various treatment options are available, including the surgical removal of your esophagus (esophagectomy).  

Surgery may not be an option for some people, so if your doctor or cardiothoracic surgeon think surgery is not right for you, other treatment options are available as outlined below.  

Antireflux Surgery

A procedure called Nissen fundoplication may be considered for patients who do not want to take lifelong medications or who are concerned about side effects, like osteoporosis, when the medications are not controlling their symptoms. The procedure also may be considered for patients whose stomach has pushed up through the diaphragm and into the chest (hiatal hernia). 

A procedure called Nissen fundoplication may be considered for patients who do not want to take lifelong medications or who are concerned about side effects, like osteoporosis, when the medications are not controlling their symptoms. The procedure also may be considered for patients whose stomach has pushed up through the diaphragm and into the chest (hiatal hernia). 

Funduplicatura de Nissen modificada
Funduplicatura parcial laparoscópica
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Uses an endoscope to remove superficial abnormalities (Barrett’s esophagus, dysplasia, and very early cancers) limited to the inner lining of the esophagus (mucosa)

Uses an endoscope to remove superficial abnormalities (Barrett’s esophagus, dysplasia, and very early cancers) limited to the inner lining of the esophagus (mucosa)

Radiofrequency Ablation

Uses heat to destroy abnormal esophageal tissue (Barrett’s esophagus as long as there is no suspicion of dysplasia or cancer); may be recommended after endoscopic resection

Uses heat to destroy abnormal esophageal tissue (Barrett’s esophagus as long as there is no suspicion of dysplasia or cancer); may be recommended after endoscopic resection

Vista endoscópica inmediatamente luego de la ablación
Vista endoscópica 8 semanas luego de la ablación
Cryotherapy

Uses an endoscope to apply a cold liquid or gas to abnormal cells in the esophagus. The cells are allowed to warm up and then are frozen again. The cycle of freezing and thawing damages the abnormal cells.

Uses an endoscope to apply a cold liquid or gas to abnormal cells in the esophagus. The cells are allowed to warm up and then are frozen again. The cycle of freezing and thawing damages the abnormal cells.

Criosonda flexibles
Photodynamic Therapy

Destroys abnormal cells by making them sensitive to light

Destroys abnormal cells by making them sensitive to light

Terapia fotodinámica
No medications can reverse Barrett’s esophagus, but there are things you can do to improve acid reflux symptoms and slow the development of Barrett's esophagus, including: limiting fatty and spicy foods, reducing consumption of alcohol, avoiding tobacco use, and losing weight
Recovery
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Recovery

Most endoscopic treatments are performed as an outpatient (a patient who receives treatment but is not hospitalized overnight). Laparoscopic antireflux surgery usually requires a 1-2 night hospital stay with full recovery in 3-4 weeks. 

If you undergo an esophagectomy, you should expect to spend approximately 7 days in the hospital.  You should expect recovery to take about 6 to 8 weeks. Most patients eventually return to normal activities. If your job requires heavy lifting, your doctor may recommend that you take about 3 months off work following surgery; however, if your job is less strenuous, you may be able to go back to work in about 6 to 8 weeks. Be sure to discuss your specific recovery with your doctor before the surgery, and at any follow-up appointments 

You also will need to adjust your eating after the surgery. Most patients benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals after esophagectomy because you tend to feel full very quickly.

Patients also should avoid eating for 3 hours before sleeping and should sleep at a 30° angle using pillows or a foam wedge to help prevent stomach contents from coming up and getting into the lungs.

Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, cramping, flushing (blushing; redness of the skin), or diarrhea when their stomachs become overly full (distended); limiting liquids with your meals may help reduce these symptoms. Sweets, such as candy, sugar, syrups, and honey also may contribute to this problem. If you experience any problems while eating, speak with your doctor. 

People with Barrett’s esophagus also have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. 

Although the risk is small, it is important to have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your condition. Please see our page on esophageal cancer for more information. 

Reviewed by: Robbin G. Cohen, MD, with assistance from John Hallsten and Travis Schwartz
July 2016 

Previously reviewed by:  Jules Lin, MD , and Rishindra Reddy, MD 
 

Questions for Your Doctor
Will my condition ever get better without treatment? Can it get worse?
What are my chances of developing esophageal cancer?
What are my treatment options?
What are the potential side effects of this treatment?
How often do you perform the procedure that you’ve recommended for me?
What is the success rate for that specific procedure?
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make now?
When should I seek medical attention if I am experiencing symptoms following treatment?
Will I have any restrictions after treatment? (activity, driving, etc)
How long will I be out of work?
Will I have to change my diet and/or lifestyle after treatment?
Will I have to take any long-term medications?
How likely is it that I will need additional treatment later?
If I want a second opinion, how would I get one?
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