Barrett's esophagus

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Apr;26(4):639-48. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06602.x.

Abstract

Barrett's esophagus is an acquired metaplastic abnormality in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium lining of the esophagus is replaced by an intestinal-like columnar epithelium. While in itself a benign and asymptomatic disorder, the clinical importance of this relatively common condition relates to its role as a precursor lesion to esophageal adenocarcinoma, the incidence of which has dramatically increased in Western populations in recent years. Although known to arise as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying development Barrett's esophagus and its progression to cancer remain unclear.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma* / epidemiology
  • Adenocarcinoma* / therapy
  • Barrett Esophagus* / diagnosis
  • Barrett Esophagus* / epidemiology
  • Barrett Esophagus* / therapy
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Disease Progression
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Humans
  • Metaplasia
  • Precancerous Conditions* / diagnosis
  • Precancerous Conditions* / epidemiology
  • Precancerous Conditions* / therapy
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor