Barrett's Esophagus

Overview

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which some of the cells in your esophagus change in response to long-term exposure to stomach acid. Barrett's esophagus doesn't cause symptoms itself, but the condition is most common in people who have had heartburn and acid-reflux symptoms for many years. Barrett's esophagus increases your risk of esophageal cancer, so doctors often recommend periodic exams to test for dysplasia — subtle signs that cells could become cancerous. Esophagus cells that show dysplasia can be removed through several treatment methods.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for Barrett's esophagus

• Latest technology. Mayo Clinic doctors use advanced endoscopic imaging techniques to detect dysplasia in the earliest, most treatable stages. These methods allow Mayo Clinic doctors to detect cancer cells without a biopsy and pinpoint exact areas for treatment.
• Nonsurgical treatments. Mayo Clinic offers an array of nonsurgical treatment options for Barrett's esophagus, including cryotherapy, endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation. For many people, these minimally invasive treatments can completely eliminate disease without the need for surgery.
• Experience. If you choose surgery, Mayo Clinic surgeons have experience performing esophageal surgery. Hospitals whose surgeons are experienced in removing the esophagus (esophagectomy) have significantly lower death and complication rates than do hospitals where few esophagectomies are performed. When possible, Mayo clinic surgeons perform esophageal surgery using a minimally invasive approach, which doesn't require a large incision and may allow for a quicker recovery.
• Research leader. Mayo Clinic has an active research program for Barrett's esophagus, including a Barrett's esophagus family registry that compiles information from people receiving care at Mayo and their families. Researchers hope this information can help them gain a greater understanding of the genetic basis of Barrett's esophagus and develop a genetic blood test that can easily screen for the disease.

Mayo Clinic is a leader in studying the use of genes to determine which treatments are likely to offer the best results for people with Barrett's esophagus.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

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Read more about diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's esophagus.