The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries swallowed food from the mouth into the stomach. Barrett's upper esophagus disease is a disorder characterized by damage to the tissue in the lining of the esophagus. When the esophageal tissue is damaged, it is replaced by tissue that has different characteristics and resembles the tissue inside the large intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Causes
The exact cause of Barrett's upper esophagus disease is unknown, according to MayoClinic.com. Because a large number of people with Barrett's upper esophagus disease have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, it's believed that the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus plays a large role in the development of the condition.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
At the end of the esophagus and the beginning of the stomach, there is a valve called the gastroesophageal sphincter. This sphincter opens to allow swallowed contents in the esophagus into the stomach. In theory, after the food is passed from the esophagus into the stomach, the gastroesophageal sphincter closes and remains closed to prevent the backflow of stomach contents--including stomach acid--back into the esophagus. In those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, the gastroesophageal sphincter is faulty and does not stay closed. Because of this, stomach contents rise up into the esophagus.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Barrett's upper esophagus disease are caused by the reflux of stomach acid due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The most common symptom is a burning pain in the stomach that radiates up through the chest and into the throat. This condition is called heartburn. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing food, black stools and vomiting blood.
Treatment
Treatment for Barrett's upper esophagus disease depends on the grade of cell changes in the esophagus, as well as the patient's overall health. Those with minor cell changes generally don't require treatment. The condition is monitored, and cells are tested periodically to check for any further changes. High-grade cell changes are likely to indicate a precancerous state, according to MayoClinic.com. Because of this, esophageal tissue with high-grade cell changes is usually removed. Tissue can be removed with heat, light therapy or an endoscope. In severe cases, an entire portion of the esophagus are removed.
Considerations
Studies have shown that people with Barrett's upper esophagus disease are at an increased risk for developing esophageal cancer; however, MayoClinic.com notes that this risk is relatively small and most people with the condition don't develop cancer.
