Barrett's Esophagus Disease
What is Barrett's Esophagus?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institute of Health, Barrett's Esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes and is replaced by tissue that is more like the tissue normally found in the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia.
Signs and Symptoms of Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's Esophagus may not cause any symptoms itself. A small number of people with Barrett's Esophagus may develop a rare cancerous condition of the esophagus known as esophageal adenocarcenomia. Barrett's Esophagus is estimated to affect about 700,000 adults in the U.S. It is associated with a common condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
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