What Is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a disorder of the esophageal lining that can lead to esophageal cancer. Continuous exposure to stomach acid can cause the cells in the lower esophagus to become damaged, changing the architecture of the cells and increasing an individual’s risk of developing esophageal cancer. Studies have shown that people with Barrett’s disease are 50-80 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population.

Risk Factors for Developing Barrett’s Esophagus
Chronic heartburn / acid reflux
Smoking
Family history of esophageal cancer
Gender: Compared with women, men are three times more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus.
Age: The risk of getting Barrett’s esophagus increases with age. However, it can occur at any age.
Race: Caucasians have a higher risk of developing the disease than people of other races.
This procedure is done in collaboration with Stony Brook University Hospital.