1st March 2020
Barrett’s Oesophagus is a pre-cancerous condition where there is a change in the lining of the oesophagus, from squamous mucosa to columnar lined epithelium. The condition can be identified by endoscopy and confirmed by an assessment of biopsies.
Potential Pitfall
Long term reflux such as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), can cause the symptom of heartburn, linked to Barret’s Oesophagus. However, the length and frequency of symptoms will increase the risk of a patient developing Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Helpful Hint
The British Society of Gastroenterology’s guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Barrett’s Oesophagus provide strict guidelines around treatment and follow-up protocols if Barrett’s is confirmed.
Cancer Keys are brought to you by GatewayC
- Read the NICE (2019) Barrett’s Oesophagus Overview
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