Barrett’s Esophagus and Malignancy Risk

If you suffer from frequent esophageal reflux or GERD in Dallas, you should have your condition monitored by your doctor. In some cases, GERD can develop into a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous condition. Only approximately one percent of Americans have this condition. People with Barrett’s esophagus are more likely to develop esophageal cancer.

Once you are diagnosed as having Barrett’s esophagus, your doctor will monitor you to see if you are developing any irregularities that could indicate your condition is progressing toward cancer. This usually involves regular endoscopies, with the frequency determined by your doctor based on the severity of your condition. Controlling your reflux through diet and lifestyle changes can help limit the risk for your condition worsening, since acid reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus and make cancerous changes more likely.

Recent research has shown that Barrett’s esophagus may not be as likely to lead to malignant cancer as previously thought. However, further research is needed to better determine the actual level of risk. Estimates suggest that the number of people with this condition that will develop cancer each year is anywhere from .22 to 3 percent. However, the likelihood of your Barrett’s esophagus leading to cancer varies depending on a number of factors, with males and people between the ages of 60 and 69 being more likely to develop cancer than females and those who are younger than 60 or older than 69 years of age.