For the benefit of our readers, Barrett's esophagus is a complication of chronic esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus is characterized by a change in the cells lining the esophagus. Normal cells are flat-shaped (squamous) cells, while Barrett's esophagus cells are shaped like a column. This cell change is called metaplasia . It is a premalignant phase that may eventually result in cancer of the esophagus if untreated.
Once the cell changes of Barrett's esophagus occur, the changes are permanent. The goal of treatment is to prevent further damage by stopping the reflux of acid from the stomach. Treatment may include:
Medications
The following types of medications may be prescribed:
H 2 blockers, such as:
Cimetidine
Ranitidine
Famotidine
Nizatidine
Proton pump inhibitors, such as:
Omeprazole
Lansoprazole
Pantoprazole
Rabeprazole
Surgery
If the disease is severe or the medication is unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options may include:
Fundoplication —part of the upper stomach is wrapped around the esophagus; this is done to reduce further damage caused by GERD
Esophagectomy—removal of the Barrett's segment of the esophagus
Ablation of the abnormal lining by several methods—photodynamic therapy (PDT), argon plasma coagulation (APC), multipolar electrocoagulation (MPEC), heater probes, lasers, cryotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation (Most of these techniques are investigational, except for PDT.)
Monitoring
Your doctor may recommend endoscopy about (or at least) every 1-3 years to monitor the esophagus for early signs of cancer. This recommendation must be individualized for each person.
Anon, these treatments may be necessary for your care- it may be something you have to live with. We can only offer a general guide. I hope this information has helped and please talk to your doctor about your prognosis.
Best,
Susan
Comment Reply
Hello Anon
Thank you for writing!
For the benefit of our readers, Barrett's esophagus is a complication of chronic esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus is characterized by a change in the cells lining the esophagus. Normal cells are flat-shaped (squamous) cells, while Barrett's esophagus cells are shaped like a column. This cell change is called metaplasia . It is a premalignant phase that may eventually result in cancer of the esophagus if untreated.
Once the cell changes of Barrett's esophagus occur, the changes are permanent. The goal of treatment is to prevent further damage by stopping the reflux of acid from the stomach. Treatment may include:
Medications
The following types of medications may be prescribed:
H 2 blockers, such as:
Cimetidine
Ranitidine
Famotidine
Nizatidine
Proton pump inhibitors, such as:
Omeprazole
Lansoprazole
Pantoprazole
Rabeprazole
Surgery
If the disease is severe or the medication is unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options may include:
Fundoplication —part of the upper stomach is wrapped around the esophagus; this is done to reduce further damage caused by GERD
Esophagectomy—removal of the Barrett's segment of the esophagus
Ablation of the abnormal lining by several methods—photodynamic therapy (PDT), argon plasma coagulation (APC), multipolar electrocoagulation (MPEC), heater probes, lasers, cryotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation (Most of these techniques are investigational, except for PDT.)
Monitoring
Your doctor may recommend endoscopy about (or at least) every 1-3 years to monitor the esophagus for early signs of cancer. This recommendation must be individualized for each person.
Anon, these treatments may be necessary for your care- it may be something you have to live with. We can only offer a general guide. I hope this information has helped and please talk to your doctor about your prognosis.
July 18, 2018 - 4:23amBest,
Susan
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