Pathology - Barrett's esophagus

Pathology - Barrett's esophagus
Complication  of persistent gastroesophageal reflux
Abnormal: There is an extension of stomach tissue, resembling the lining of the stomach, that goes up into the lower part of the esophagus in a tongue-shaped or all-around manner, as shown during endoscopy.
The squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by metaplastic columnar epithelium, which contains mucosal glands with goblet cells. Columnar cells may exhibit dysplasia, characterized by swollen and hyperchromatic nuclei.

Patients may exhibit either asymptomatic or symptomatic presentations, with symptoms mostly associated with gastrosophageal reflux. These symptoms may include a history of heartburn (retrosternal burning), regurgitation, and belching occurring after meals. Dysphagia is a prevalent condition.
Possible complications of this condition include the development of ulcers, the creation of strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), and a significantly higher chance (30- to 40-fold increase) of developing esophageal cancer.


Extended duration therapy with proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists and antacids; regular endoscopic examination every 1-3 years to evaluate the development of adenocarcinoma.
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