Barrett's Esophagus

Treatment in Florida

Gastroenterologists at Mayo Clinic in Florida are among the most experienced in the country in treating Barrett's esophagus. They were among the first physicians to use photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat the dangerous cell changes, or high-grade dysplasia, that can occur in Barrett's esophagus. Today, our PDT program is among the largest in the United States. PDT using porfimer sodium has been a federally approved treatment for Barrett's high-grade dysplasia since 2003.

Three experienced endosonographers — gastroenterologists specially trained in the art of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) — provide state-of-the-art evaluations of patients with Barrett's esophagus and early cancer. Optical biopsies are among the new, high-tech endoscopic imaging methods being tested to assess tissue changes caused by the disease. Endoscopic mucosal resection is used to remove and examine suspicious areas (lumps and bumps) within segments of Barrett's esophagus. It is used in conjunction with EUS and fine-needle aspiration of para-esophageal lymph nodes to accurately determine which patients are best treated with PDT and which should consider surgery or other treatments.

All other evaluations and treatments described in these pages are available in Florida.

Treatment Team

Barrett's esophagus is treated by specialists in Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Surgery.

Appointments

For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at (904) 953-0853 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, or complete an online appointment request form.