Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus, the tube that carries food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach, changes so that some of its lining is replaced by a tissue type similar to that normally found in the intestine. This is called intestinal metaplasia.

This condition may be associated with having heartburn, but it may cause no symptoms on its own. A small number of people with the condition develop cancer of the esophagus, so it is important to be diagnosed so appropriate care can be started. Barrett's Esophagus is relatively common, particularly in people with frequent heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

LINKS

• Digestive Health FAQs
• Digestive Health Additional Resources
• National Cancer Institute: Esophageal Cancer Home page
• Medline Plus: Esophagus Disorders
• The American College of Gastroenterology
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Your Digestive System and How it Works

EN ESPAÑOL

• Medline Plus: Enfermedades del esófago
• Medline Plus: Reflujo gastroesofágico

SOURCES

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Barrett's Esophagus