Trusted experts in Barrett’s esophagus care
At MedStar Health, our gastroenterology department cares for more people with Barrett’s esophagus than any other center in the region. Our experienced team was the first in the area to offer advanced treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryotherapy ablation—innovative procedures that treat Barrett’s and help prevent the development of esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms early on, which is why our doctors recommend screening endoscopies for people with long-term or severe acid reflux (GERD). This simple, minimally invasive test helps us spot Barrett’s esophagus early, before it becomes something more serious.
Seeing an experienced team of specialists for GERD and Barrett’s is important for managing symptoms, monitoring changes, and reducing your risk of complications. If you are diagnosed with Barrett’s, we offer the latest technology and procedures to treat Barrett’s safely and effectively.
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Many people experience digestive problems like acid reflux and heartburn. While these issues can be uncomfortable, they might also be warning signs of Barrett’s esophagus.
Barrett’s esophagus happens when the lining of the esophagus—the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach—is damaged by stomach acid that comes back up. This is common in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In fact, up to 15% of people with GERD may develop Barrett’s esophagus. The tricky part is that Barrett’s often doesn’t cause obvious symptoms early on and can feel just like routine heartburn.
If left untreated, Barrett’s esophagus can lead to changes in the cells lining the esophagus. These changes, called dysplasia, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. The good news is that with early diagnosis, regular checkups, and proper treatment, these abnormal cells can often be eliminated, helping to prevent cancer.
Symptoms
Barrett’s esophagus can be hard to catch early because nearly half of the people with the condition don’t have any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they often feel like acid reflux or heartburn, which many people experience from time to time.
Common warning signs of Barrett’s might include:
- Frequent heartburn
- A burning feeling in the chest or throat
- Trouble swallowing or feeling like food is stuck
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Because these symptoms are similar to everyday acid reflux, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you have regular or severe heartburn, especially if you are over 45. Your gastroenterologist may recommend a simple test called an endoscopy to check your esophagus and catch any early changes before they become serious.
Risk factors
Certain factors can increase your chance of developing Barrett’s. Knowing these can help you and your doctor stay ahead of any potential problems.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The biggest risk comes from long-term acid reflux. When stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, it can damage the lining and lead to Barrett’s. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have persistent heartburn or acid reflux.
- Family history: If Barrett’s or esophageal cancer runs in your family, your risk may be higher. Genetics can play a role in how your body reacts to acid reflux.
- Age: As we get older, the chances of developing this condition increase. Barrett’s esophagus is more common in adults over 45, especially men.
If you have one or more of these Barrett’s esophagus risk factors, it’s important to keep up with regular checkups and talk openly with your healthcare provider about any symptoms or concerns.
Diagnosing Barrett’s
The best way to find Barrett’s esophagus early is through a simple procedure called an upper endoscopy. During this test, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera is gently guided down your throat to look closely at your esophagus and stomach.
For people with chronic or severe acid reflux (GERD), we often recommend regular endoscopy screenings. These routine checks help us spot Barrett’s and any precancerous changes (dysplasia). If we do find anything concerning, we can start treatment right away to protect your health and prevent esophageal cancer.
Upper endoscopy is usually quick, painless, and done on an outpatient basis. It’s safe and well-tolerated, giving your doctor a clear view of your digestive tract, ensuring the best possible outcomes and peace of mind.
Barrett’s esophagus treatment and management
At MedStar Health, our gastroenterologists tailor treatment for Barrett’s esophagus to each patient’s unique situation. Your healthcare team will discuss the benefits and risks of different options, helping you make informed choices that fit your lifestyle and health needs. The depth of our experience helps us to guide patients in taking the best next steps based on unique factors. Because we intervene early and monitor frequently, we can often help patients prevent esophageal cancer altogether and avoid the need for major surgery.
A key part of treatment is managing the root cause—gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Controlling acid reflux through diet changes, lifestyle habits, and medications helps protect your esophagus and supports the success of other treatments.
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Lifestyle changes and symptom management
Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce acid reflux and help your esophagus heal. Your gastroenterologist may also prescribe medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to lower stomach acid and reduce inflammation. These steps are essential to managing Barrett’s and preventing it from getting worse.
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) uses gentle heat to destroy abnormal cells in the esophagus before they can turn into cancer. This treatment is especially effective for advanced precancerous changes or when a large area is affected. The number of necessary treatment sessions varies by patient, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. In most cases, we’re able to completely eliminate any precancerous cells with just a few outpatient endoscopies. The procedure is done under general anesthesia for patient comfort, and most people return to normal activities quickly after treatment.
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Cryotherapy Ablation
Cryotherapy ablation uses extreme cold to freeze and kill abnormal or cancerous cells. It can reach deeper tissue than RFA, making it a good choice for certain cases where cancer has returned or Barrett’s cells are more difficult to treat.
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Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) is a versatile procedure that can remove Barrett’s cells or early cancer directly from the esophagus. It also helps doctors measure how deeply abnormal cells have grown, which is important for staging and planning appropriate treatment. EMR can sometimes prevent the need for major surgery, in some situations.
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Frequently asked questions
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How often should I have an endoscopy if I have Barrett’s esophagus?
The timing of endoscopy checkups depends on your specific condition and risk factors. Some patients may need exams every one to three years, while others with more advanced changes might require closer monitoring. Your gastroenterologist will create a schedule tailored just for you.
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Can lifestyle changes make a difference in managing Barrett’s esophagus?
Yes, there are simple changes you can make to help reduce acid reflux and protect your esophagus, such as:
- Avoiding spicy or fatty foods
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight, if needed
- Refraining from eating late at night
These changes work best when combined with medical treatments your doctor recommends.
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Is Barrett’s esophagus hereditary?
Barrett’s isn’t directly passed down from parents to children, but a family history of GERD or esophageal cancer can increase your risk of the condition. If you have relatives with Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor about screening and ways to lower your personal risk.
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