Related articles: Barrett's Esophagus
Definition
Barrett's esophagus is a pathological condition that affects the esophagus, an organ located between the pharynx and the mouth of the stomach.
The disorder is characterized by the replacement of the normal tissue that covers the esophagus with an epithelium similar to that which internally covers the walls of the stomach or duodenum (initial tract of the small intestine). In medical terms, we speak of "metaplasia".
The causes that cause Barrett's esophagus are still not entirely clear, but it seems that at the origin an improper defense mechanism of the esophageal mucosa is established to the continuous acid attacks due to a chronic reflux.
The risk factors that can predispose to the development of this pathology include also hiatal hernia, overweight, alcohol consumption and smoking habits.
Barrett's esophagus is a disorder of a benign nature, but, if it is not adequately treated, it can predispose to the onset of a tumor in the esophagus. Therefore, it is considered a pre-cancerous condition.
Barrett's esophagus generally occurs in people over the age of thirty.
Endoscopic image of Barrett's esophagus, the red zone is a spy of metaplasia.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Lowering of the voice
- aphagia
- Anorexia
- Retrosternal burning
- Heartburn
- Dysphagia
- Chest pain
- Pain in the Stomach Mouth
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Hematemesis
- Feces picee
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Heaviness in the stomach
- Hoarseness
- He retched
Further indications
Barrett's esophagus can be asymptomatic, but in most cases it is accompanied by the typical symptoms of reflux disease: acid regurgitation, heartburn (burning), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and unintentional weight loss.
In the most serious cases, Barrett's esophagus is associated with an esophagitis, therefore nausea, traces of blood in the vomit, sense of heaviness and retrosternal pain can be found. The complications of the pathology are mainly represented by local bleeding ulcers, stenoses, non-invasive neoplasms (dysplasia) and adenocarcinoma.
The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is possible through a bioscopy gastroscopy. This investigation allows us to observe a series of reddish branches (consisting of the gastric mucosa) that propagate and inflame the esophagus.
The therapeutic approach involves combating gastroesophageal reflux that irritates the mucosa; therefore, antisecretory drugs and antacids are needed that can significantly reduce the acid insult associated with the disease for a long time. Furthermore, periodic monitoring with endoscopic controls must be provided.
In the advanced stages of Barrett's esophagus, it may be necessary to remove or destroy the abnormal tissue with endoscopic resection or surgical treatment.
