Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment Program, Chicago

Led by Pankaj Vashi, MD, and the gastroenterology team at City of Hope Chicago our Barrett's esophagus treatment program, uses a multidisciplinary approach to address Barrett's esophagus, which is a risk factor for developing esophageal cancer.

With an array of diagnostic tools and access to state-of-the-art treatment options, your care team will work with you to determine a treatment regimen designed to meet your individual needs.

What is Barrett's esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition predominantly seen in patients with longstanding acid reflux disease. In patients with this condition, the tissue lining the esophagus—the food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach—is replaced by abnormal, precancerous tissue.

What are the risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus?

Risk factors that can lead to the development of Barrett’s esophagus may include:

• Longstanding heartburn
• Longstanding acid reflux
• Longstanding regurgitation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Obesity
• Age (more common in the older population)
• Ethnicity (more prevalent among Caucasians)
• Gender (more prevalent among males)
• History of smoking

What are the symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus?

While most people with Barrett’s esophagus experience some symptoms, high-risk patients with Barrett’s esophagus may not notice any symptoms.

Common symptoms may include:

• Heartburn (burning sensation in chest)
• Regurgitation
• Difficulty swallowing (especially with solid foods)
• Longstanding dry cough
• Longstanding hoarseness of voice

How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus may be confirmed when a trained physician evaluates the tissue under a microscope. A tissue sample is obtained through an endoscopy performed with directed tissue biopsies.

How is Barrett’s esophagus treated: An individualized approach

At City of Hope, patients diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals who have access to a wide variety of options to either treat or manage the condition.

What types of treatment options are available?

• Changes in lifestyle (e.g., diet, weight and smoking)
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
• Cryotherapy
• Other surgical procedures

What if I am diagnosed with esophageal cancer?

If you have been previously diagnosed or are newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer, our multidisciplinary team of esophageal cancer experts will work together with you and one another to coordinate your care, and help you choose an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How do I get screened for Barrett’s esophagus?

If you have one of the risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus or if your primary care physician believes you are a candidate to be screened for the condition, our gastroenterology experts will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your situation.