Barrett's Esophagus

If you’ve experienced Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) for a long time, you’re more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus (or Barrett's disease), although it can also develop on its own. You may not have any symptoms at all, or you might get heartburn quite often or find it difficult to swallow food. Whatever your symptoms, we’re here to help you find peace of mind. We may recommend you come in for regular screenings if you’ve had GERD, especially if you have other risk factors including:

• Being Male and/or White
• Family History of Barrett’s Esophagus or Esophageal Cancer
• History of Smoking
• If You're Over 50
• If You're Overweight or Obese

During your screening, we’ll first perform an endoscopy, where we look at the cells in your esophagus using a tiny camera on a flexible tube. It can feel a little strange, but we’ll make sure that you’re comfortable and relaxed. If we spot signs of Barrett’s esophagus, we’ll perform a biopsy at the same time, taking a small amount of tissue to examine in the lab and keeping you informed at every step so you feel in control. A biopsy also allows us to look for any early signs of cancer, so if something is wrong, we’ll catch it early and help you find the care and support you need to begin your journey from cancer to whole-person wellness.

If your screening shows signs of intestinal metaplasia in your esophagus (indicating a cell usually found in your intestines has traveled to the esophagus), you may feel worried and uncertain. But today, Barrett’s esophagus is very treatable, and catching it early is the best way to minimize your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Barrett’s esophagus can develop with or without dysplasia, which is the presence of precancerous cells. If your biopsy does show signs of dysplasia, it may be low-grade (low risk of cancer) or high-grade (higher risk of cancer). Know that whatever your diagnosis, we’re here to support you. Your team of digestive-health specialists will be by your side throughout your wellness journey, lifting your spirits, offering comfort when you need it, and helping you to feel whole.

Depending on your diagnosis, your team may recommend one or a combination of different care options. Within our network, the compassionate digestive-health experts at AdventHealth are equipped with advanced treatment resources to remove abnormal cells and reduce your acid reflux. This includes a leading thermal-ablation technique, which uses an endoscope (a lighted, flexible tube with a lens) to apply heat or radiofrequency waves directly where needed in the esophagus. This means you won't have to stay overnight with us and the recovery time is shorter than for surgery. We’ll also help you develop your own Barrett’s esophagus diet, keeping heartburn at bay so you can get the most enjoyment out of every meal.

Other Barrett's disease treatment options we may recommend include:

• Dilation
• Endoscopic Resection
• GERD Prevention Techniques (Like Weight Loss Counseling and Support to Quit Smoking)
• Medication to Prevent Acid Reflux
• Surgery

Trust your expert digestive-health team to help you prevent future esophageal disorders and feel better in body, mind, and spirit. The path to whole-person wellness starts here.