Barrett's esophagus is a painful digestive disorder with symptoms that will likely interfere with your daily activities. Left untreated, the condition sometimes leads to esophageal cancer.
At City of Hope, our gastroenterology team provides comprehensive care to treat Barrett's esophagus and help prevent esophageal cancer. We focus on relieving your symptoms and avoiding complications to help you maintain your quality of life.
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Barrett’s esophagus develops in the tissue that lines the esophagus (food tube), which connects the mouth to the stomach. Cells in the esophagus lining change, becoming more like cells in the lining of the intestines.
These cell changes may result from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. But not everyone who has GERD goes on to develop Barrett’s esophagus.
In some people with Barrett’s esophagus, precancerous cells replace the damaged tissue. It’s important to seek treatment for Barrett’s esophagus to help prevent it from becoming esophageal cancer.
Often, people who have Barrett’s esophagus experience few or no symptoms. If you have GERD, you may experience symptoms such as:
It's important to see an experienced team with the training, skills and experience to recognize the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus and distinguish it from other conditions. At City of Hope, our team's expertise means we can confirm a diagnosis and begin treatment quickly to help you get relief.
Although the exact causes of the condition are unknown, most people who have Barrett’s esophagus also have GERD. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus.
Treatment for heartburn and GERD may help prevent Barrett’s esophagus. You may also reduce your risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus with healthy lifestyle habits, such as:
At City of Hope, we recommend screening for Barrett’s esophagus for people who have:
Our team offers screening and diagnostic services to identify tissue changes as early as possible and confirm a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment may help prevent the condition from becoming esophageal cancer.
Learn more about our program and what we offer for Barrett’s esophagus screening and diagnosis.
Once we confirm a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus, we customize a treatment plan designed to relieve your symptoms and monitor the condition. At City of Hope, you’ll receive care designed to improve the way you feel and help prevent Barrett’s esophagus from progressing to esophageal cancer.
Find out more about our options for Barrett’s esophagus treatment, including:
If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux, it may
progress to Barrett's esophagus. At City of Hope,our expert team provides comprehensive care to help relieve
symptoms, prevent progression to cancer and detect changes as early as possible.
We offer:
Our services and treatment
Barrett's esophagus screening and diagnosisScreening helps detect Barrett's esophagus in its earliest stages. With early screening, we're better positioned to confirm a diagnosis quickly so that you can receive treatment as soon as possible.
Our services and treatment
Barrett's esophagus monitoringIf you have Barrett's esophagus, you’ll need regular follow-up tests to keep an eye on the affected tissue. At City of Hope, we'll create a monitoring schedule based on the symptoms you're experiencing and the stage of the disease.
Our services and treatment
Barrett's esophagus treatmentTreatment options for Barrett's esophagus include lifestyle changes,
medications, minimally invasive procedures and surgery.
Our team focuses on evidence-based treatment strategies, providing safe, personalized care
designed to help you manage and, when possible, prevent side effects.