Is Barretts esophagus linked to esophageal cancer?
Studies indicate that Barrett’s esophagus may be linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. However, for people who have Barrett’s esophagus, the risk of getting cancer of the esophagus is still very small: less than 1 percent (0.4 percent to 0.5 percent) per year. Barrett’s is marked by severe damage to the lining of the esophagus. This damage is caused by acid reflux from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). (See “When should I consult a professional?” below for symptoms of GERD.) How is Barrett’s esophagus treated? Currently there is no cure for Barrett’s esophagus, but the goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to the esophagus. To stop acid reflux from entering into the esophagus, medications, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be prescribed. H2 blockers reduce acid production. Proton pump inhibitors are the most powerful inhibitors of acid production because they actually shut down the pumps th
