How Is Barretts Esophagus Diagnosed?
Once the tube is inserted, the doctor can visually inspect the lining of the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus, if it’s there, is visible on camera, but the diagnosis requires a biopsy. The doctor will remove a small sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope in the laboratory to confirm a diagnosis. The sample will also be examined for the presence of precancerous cells or cancer. If the biopsy confirms the presence of Barrett’s esophagus, your doctor will probably recommend a follow-up endoscopy and biopsy to examine more tissue for early signs of developing cancer. If you have Barrett’s esophagus but no cancer or precancerous cells are found, the doctor will most likely recommend that you have periodic repeat endoscopy. This is a precaution because cancer can develop in Barrett tissue years after diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus. If precancerous cells are present in the biopsy, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
