What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus is a complication derived from chronic gastro-esophageal reflux and maintained. Therefore, it is a relevant pathology in terms of the risk it implies or its predisposition to esophageal cancer.

It is an alteration in the epithelium that lines the distal esophagus, in the area of union between esophagus and stomach. The continued action of Gastric acid on this epithelium can be associated with a precancerous lesion.

Barrett's esophagus symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms most frequently associated with this entity is (heartburn), regurgitation and the dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

Their diagnosis is made through one in which they are taken histological samples (biopsies) for diagnostic confirmation. In the event that an alteration of the epithelium of the esophagus is evidenced, endoscopic controls later with taking biopsies for its evolutionary follow-up. The frequency of these endoscopies will depend on the degree of dysplasia detected.

There are other diagnostic possibilities using new minimally invasive techniques :, for example the Cytosponge. It consists of the ingestion of a gelatinous capsule that dissolves in the stomach forming a small sponge. When it is extracted, it collects samples from the esophagus that are analyzed with an immunohistochemical marker. This marker differentiates the excision of the different cells.

Results after the study

After the study, the presence of a dysplasia or precancerous condition This will be classified according to the degree of epithelial involvement, and a “high grade”, “low grade” or “undefined” grade dysplasia may be found.

• High-grade dysplasia it is the one with the worst prognosis due to its higher risk of malignancy.
• Low-grade dysplasia indicates that some abnormal modifications are observed in the sample obtained.
• Dysplasia of degree "Indefinite”When the sample obtained by biopsy is not conclusive. In the event that dysplasia is confirmed, the

The diagnostic confirmation of Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia would also be an indication for an evolutionary follow-up, but it would allow the visits to be delayed over time, as well as the performance of follow-up tests (upper endoscopy with biopsy).