What is Barrett’s metaplasia?
After swallowing, liquids and solid foods travel from the mouth to the stomach through a tube-shaped organ called the esophagus. The inside surface of the normal esophagus is covered by a pearly-white lining made up by cells similar to those that cover the skin. These cells are called squamous cells. In Barrett’s esophagus (also called Barrett’s metaplasia), the normal pearly-white lining is replaced by a pink-red velvety lining made up by cells called specialized columnar cells. They look like the cells that line the inner surface of the colon, and include a very characteristic cell type called “goblet cell.” This site contains photos of the human esophagus, surgerically removed following the diagnosis of Barrett’s metaplasia and cancer. Warning: These are graphic photos and may not be suitable for viewing by all individuals. Discretion is advised.
