Barrett’s Oesophagus Does it Matter? – MM1607
Barrett’s oesophagus is a premalignant condition characterised by the replacement of normal stratified squamous epithelium of the oesophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium. It can predispose patients to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, in whom the frequency has increased sevenfold in the past four decades. Most patients with heartburn do not have Barrett’s oesophagus.
Although Barrett’s oesophagus is a premalignant condition, the risk of progression to malignancy is low and surveillance intervals should be guided by the presence and degree of dysplasia. There is currently insufficient evidence to support routine medical or surgical intervention for regression or prevention of progression of disease.
Modern Medicine – July 2016
