BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

The most common cause of Barrett's esophagus is longstanding acid reflux disease.
Barrett's esophagus occurs when the normal  squamous cells that line the lower part of the esophagus are replaced by an abnormal, intestinal-type epithelium

In those with chronic GERD symptoms- long segment Barrett's esophagus ( > 3cms in length)  is  seen in 3 to 5 percent and  short-segment Barrett's esophagus ( < 3 cm) in 10 to 15 percent .
Barrett's esophagus is a predisposing factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Endoscopy with biopsy of the abnormal looking area is required to make a definitive diagnosis.

Also see ACID REFLUX

For more information please see
www.barrettsinfo.com
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/index.htm