{"id":74,"date":"2022-06-21T22:12:15","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T22:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf-2022.local\/?post_type=digestive-condition&#038;p=74"},"modified":"2025-06-18T17:18:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T17:18:45","slug":"barretts-esophagus","status":"publish","type":"digestive-condition","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/","title":{"rendered":"Barrett&#8217;s Esophagus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn about this unique condition that 800,000 Canadians are living with.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #ffffff; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" style=\"color: #1f1f1f; \">What is Barrett&#8217;s Esophagus<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #e32f68;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus describes a condition where the cells lining the lower esophagus change. The esophagus is the swallowing tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are 800,000 Canadians living with this disorder \u2013 nearly half of these have no symptoms. It is believed those living with Barrett\u2019s esophagus are at an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer so it is important that those at risk be tested for the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/CA-ET-GR-0007-E-CDHF-GERD-InfoGraphic11x17-min-1024x806-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75 lazyload\" style=\"width:771px;height:606px\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/CA-ET-GR-0007-E-CDHF-GERD-InfoGraphic11x17-min-1024x806-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75 lazyload\" style=\"width:771px;height:606px\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic developed by Medtronic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What causes Barrett\u2019s esophagus?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus is more common in people with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/gerd\/\" data-type=\"digestive-condition\" data-id=\"354\">gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/a>. GERD is a common condition where stomach contents, including acid and bile, regurgitate into the esophagus. It has been suggested that this disorder is the body\u2019s response and attempt to protect the esophagus from the irritating effects of acid and bile by changing to a different lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, this condition is believed to increase the risk of developing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/esophageal-cancer\/\" data-type=\"digestive-condition\" data-id=\"242\">esophageal cancer<\/a>. Most physicians recommend that people suffering from this disorder undergo endoscopy about every two years. This allows doctors to screen for cancer and allows for early treatment. In some cases, more frequent endoscopy is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is at risk of\u00a0Barrett\u2019s esophagus?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk factors include being older than 50 years, male, Caucasian, family history and having experienced reflux symptoms for longer than one year. Diagnosis of Barrett\u2019s esophagus requires that suspected patients undergo endoscopy and biopsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many questions about this disorder remain unanswered. We do not fully understand what predisposes some people to develop the condition. Accordingly, it is not known whether all people with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/gerd\/\" data-type=\"digestive-condition\" data-id=\"354\">gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/a>\u00a0should be tested for Barrett\u2019s esophagus or only those with specific risk factors.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #ffffff; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" style=\"color: #1f1f1f; \">Signs and Symptoms<br><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #e32f68;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-1-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/CA-ET-GR-0007-E-CDHF-GERD-InfoGraphic11x17-min-1-1200x480-1-1024x410.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-76 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/CA-ET-GR-0007-E-CDHF-GERD-InfoGraphic11x17-min-1-1200x480-1-1024x410.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-76 lazyload\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic developed by Medtronic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Barrett\u2019s esophagus more common in people with GERD?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, Barrett\u2019s esophagus is more common in people with GERD. Though Barrett\u2019s esophagus often times does not have prominent symptoms, people who suffer from GERD may experience symptoms such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heartburn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regurgitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleep Apnea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chest Pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic Cough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Belching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus affects more men than women and is more common among Caucasians.It is typically diagnosed by endoscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Endoscopy is a safe outpatient procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to look at the lining of the esophagus and take a small tissue sample (biopsy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/esophagus.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"776\" height=\"221\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/esophagus.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77 lazyload\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens if Barrett\u2019s esophagus goes untreated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patients with Barrett\u2019s esophagus have up to 60 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer (EAC). EAC has a 5-year survival rate of only 14%. Barrett\u2019s esophagus patients with any of the above risk factors should speak to their physician about the most effective treatment to reduce their risk.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #ffffff; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" style=\"color: #1f1f1f; \">Tests and Treatment<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #e32f68;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-2-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is Barrett\u2019s esophagus diagnosed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a number of ways to treat Barrett\u2019s esophagus, but first, your doctor will want to provide you with a firm diagnosis. If you are showing persistent\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/gerd\/\" data-type=\"digestive-condition\" data-id=\"354\">symptoms of GERD<\/a>\u00a0your doctor may want to perform an endoscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus is diagnosed by endoscopy, a safe outpatient procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to look at the lining of the esophagus and take a small tissue sample (biopsy). Often, the endoscopist can notice a change in the appearance of the lining of the esophagus that suggests the presence of Barrett\u2019s esophagus. However, the diagnosis can only be confirmed by carefully examining the biopsy under a microscope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus is believed to increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Most physicians recommend that people with Barrett\u2019s esophagus undergo endoscopy about every two years to screen for cancer and allow early treatment. In some cases, more frequent endoscopy is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medications:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some medications to reduce stomach acid and control the symptoms of GERD include antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 receptor antagonists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Antacids work<\/strong>\u00a0by neutralizing the acid that is present in the stomach. Antacids are of value for patients who have intermittent symptoms that require quick relief. However, to treat an ulcer frequent dosing is necessary and more effective medications are now present.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)<\/strong>are the most effective medications for lowering acid and treating ulcer disease. They work by blocking proton pumps that secrete acid in the stomach and block acid the strongest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>H2 receptor antagonists\u00a0<\/strong>work by blocking histamines that stimulate acid secretion in the stomach. These are prescriptions drugs but some are now available as over the counter medications that do not require a doctor\u2019s prescription.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you treat Barrett\u2019s esophagus?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treatment options vary by the stage or severity of Barrett\u2019s esophagus and the doctor will recommend the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Surveillance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One way a doctor may recommend Barrett\u2019s esophagus be treated following diagnosis is surveillance with endoscopy and biopsy. This essentially means your doctor will perform an examination of your esophagus and sample the affected tissue. This will be done at various intervals to monitor disease progression to more advanced stages. The frequency of these tests may vary depending on the stage or severity of Barrett\u2019s esophagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Endoscopic Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A number of endoscopic therapy options are available to treat Barrett\u2019s esophagus. Endoscopic therapy options offer a variety of means to remove the diseased lining of the esophagus via resection of the tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Radiofrequency Ablation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medtronic.com\/ca-en\/your-health\/treatments-therapies\/reflux-disease-testing-treatment\/barretts\/radiofrequency-ablation.html\">Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)<\/a>\u00a0uses heat to treat Barret\u2019s esophagus by\u00a0removing\u00a0affected tissue while preserving the underlying healthy tissue. RFA is a proven technology that reduces the relative risk of disease progression to esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch the below animation developed by Medtronic\u00a0to see how the Barrx<sup>TM<\/sup>\u00a0radiofrequency ablation system works and learn about what you can expect from the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Barrx 360 RFA Balloon Catheter Animation\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/s9khaVztuRo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Radiofrequency Ablation Patient Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary shares her experience of being diagnosed with Barrett\u2019s Esophagus and electing treatment with radiofrequency ablation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more about radiofrequency ablation check out Medtronic\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medtronic.com\/ca-en\/your-health\/treatments-therapies\/reflux-disease-testing-treatment\/barretts\/radiofrequency-ablation.html\">patient information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Barrett\u2019s Esophagus Patient Story\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9Yh0wjZcBqc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\">\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Reference 1: Shaheen NJ, Sharma P, Overholt BF, et al. Radiofrequency ablation in Barrett\u2019s esophagus with dysplasia. N Engl J Med 2009;360:2277-88,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Reference 2: Phoa KN, van Vilsteren FG, Pouw RE, Weusten BL, et al. Radiofrequency ablation vs endoscopic surveillance for patients with Barrett esophagus and low-grade dysplasia: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014 Mar 26;311(12):1209-17<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Reference 3: Wolf WA, Pasricha S, Cotton C, et al. Incidence of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Causes of Mortality after Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett\u2019s esophagus. Gastroenterology. 2015;149:1752-1761.)<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #ffffff; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-3-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" style=\"color: #1f1f1f; \">Statistics<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #e32f68;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-3-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statistics on Barrett\u2019s esophagus:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Barrett\u2019s esophagus describes a condition where the cell lining of the lower esophagus changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barrett\u2019s esophagus may lead to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>About 0.5% of people with Barrett\u2019s esophagus develop esophageal cancer. (Canadian Cancer Society 2018)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The estimated prevalence of Barrett\u2019s esophagus in the population varies between 2 and 7%. (Mac\u00edas-Garc\u00eda et al. 2016)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barrett\u2019s esophagus is believed to be the result\u00a0of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Around 10 to 15% of GERD cases will develop into Barrett\u2019s esophagus. (Schlottmann et al. 2018)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/CA-ET-GR-0007-E-OH-GERD-InfoGraphic-Bannerstand11x17-663x1024.webp\" alt=\"Barrett's Esophagus infographic\" class=\"wp-image-177 lazyload\" style=\"width:663px;height:1024px\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"663\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/CA-ET-GR-0007-E-OH-GERD-InfoGraphic-Bannerstand11x17-663x1024.webp\" alt=\"Barrett's Esophagus infographic\" class=\"wp-image-177 lazyload\" style=\"width:663px;height:1024px\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic from Medtronic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\">\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citations:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Canadian Cancer Society. 2018. Esophageal cancer \u2013 Precancerous conditions of the esophagus.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Mac\u00edas-Garc\u00eda F and Dom\u00ednguez-Mu\u00f1oz JE. Update on management of Barrett\u2019s esophagus. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2016 May 6;7(2):227-34.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Mac\u00edas-Garc\u00eda F and Dom\u00ednguez-Mu\u00f1oz JE. Update on management of Barrett\u2019s esophagus. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2016 May 6;7(2):227-34.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Schlottmann F et al. Gastroesophageal refux and Barrett\u2019s esophagus: A pathway to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Updates Surg. 2018 Jul 23.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #ffffff; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-4-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\" style=\"color: #1f1f1f; \">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #e32f68;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-4-4a5fb2ed-c733-4c7d-8580-643775c0b27e\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about Barrett\u2019s esophagus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no symptoms specific to Barrett\u2019s esophagus, other than the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD). These include heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who is at risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patients with GERD are at an increased risk for developing Barrett\u2019s esophagus. Caucasian males over the age of 50 with chronic reflux symptoms or heartburn have a higher risk for the disease. Receiving a diagnosis at a young age or having a family history of Barrett\u2019s esophagus also contribute to one\u2019s risk. Being overweight and obese (body mass index 25-30) increases a person\u2019s risk to develop\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/esophageal-cancer\/\" data-type=\"digestive-condition\" data-id=\"242\">esophageal cancer<\/a>\u00a0by almost two times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How is Barrett\u2019s esophagus diagnosed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus cannot be diagnosed by symptoms. A diagnosis of Barrett\u2019s esophagus is currently dependent on an upper endoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist. This procedure enables the doctor to directly visualize the esophagus and take tissue samples of the esophageal tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How does a doctor follow a Barrett\u2019s Esophagus patient?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a Barrett\u2019s esophagus is identified then it is important to follow the patient with regular gastroscopies to obtain biopsies to see if there is any associated dysplasia or early cancer that is arising in the Barrett\u2019s esophagus that can be treated before a more serious problem arises. The follow up program will vary depending on the biopsy results. If one identifies a very high grade of dysplasia or early cancer then there are several options of treatment. These include using radiofrequency ablation system to eradicate the dysplastic tissue while preserving the healthy tissue underneath or surgery where the entire esophagus is removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are\u00a0treatment options available?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, treatment with the radiofrequency ablation technology has been shown to reduce disease progression by removing precancerous tissue from the esophagus. Barrett\u2019s esophagus patients treated with radiofrequency ablation are less likely to progress to esophageal cancer compared to patients who undergo surveillance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I\u2019ve been told that I have Barrett\u2019s Esophagus. Does this mean I will develop esophageal cancer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes the cells at the lower end of the esophagus are replaced by columnar cells resembling those of the stomach and small intestine. This change is referred to as Barrett\u2019s esophagus. This disorder is believed to increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. It can be controlled with medications. Your physician need to carefully monitor the status of the cells in your esophagus to minimize the likelihood of developing cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"question wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If I have Barrett\u2019s esophagus, will I develop esophageal cancer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barrett\u2019s esophagus is believed to increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. However, the true risk of developing esophageal cancer in people with Barrett\u2019s esophagus remains controversial. Most physicians recommend that people with Barrett\u2019s esophagus undergo endoscopy about every two years to screen for cancer and allow early treatment. In some cases more frequent endoscopy is recommended.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about this unique condition that 800,000 Canadians are living with.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":87,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[4,50],"class_list":["post-74","digestive-condition","type-digestive-condition","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-acid-reflux","tag-tags-gerd"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Barrett&#039;s Esophagus - Canadian Digestive Health Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about Barrett\u2019s esophagus, its symptoms, risk factors, and why early detection is important for preventing esophageal cancer.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Barrett&#039;s Esophagus - Canadian Digestive Health Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about Barrett\u2019s esophagus, its symptoms, risk factors, and why early detection is important for preventing esophageal cancer.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Canadian Digestive Health Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CDHFdn\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-18T17:18:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/barretts-esophagus.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@TheCDHF\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/\",\"name\":\"Barrett's Esophagus - Canadian Digestive Health Foundation\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/barretts-esophagus.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-06-21T22:12:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-18T17:18:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn about Barrett\u2019s esophagus, its symptoms, risk factors, and why early detection is important for preventing esophageal cancer.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/digestive-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/barretts-esophagus.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/barretts-esophagus.webp\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1333,\"caption\":\"Close up of sick man suffering from throat problems, grey background, isolated. 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