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Barrett's Basics

• What is Barrett's esophagus?
• What causes Barrett's esophagus?
• What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

  • Acid hypersecretion
  • Bile reflux
  • Esophageal contractions
  • Delayed gastric emptying
  • Hiatal hernia
  • H. pylori
  • Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function
  • Saliva
  • Barium esophagram
  • Esophageal manometry
  • Intraesophageal pH monitoring
  • Symptoms of GERD
  • Natural or Lifestyle changes
  • Medical treatment of GERD
  • Surgical therapy for GERD
• Who gets Barrett's esophagus and could I have it?
• How do I know for sure if I have Barrett's esophagus?

  • What is EGD (upper endoscopy) with biopsy?
  • What is histology?
    • What is dysplasia?
• Is there a cure for my Barrett's esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus and cancer

• Do we know how cancer develops in Barrett's esophagus?
• If I have Barrett's esophagus will I get cancer?

  • Alcohol consumption and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • Asthma and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • Cigarette smoking and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammitory drugs) and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • What is endoscopic biopsy surveillance?
  • What is flow cytometry?
• What are the treatment options for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus?
• What are the treatments options for cancer in Barrett's esophagus?

  • Endoscopic treatments for large esophageal cancers
  • What is esophagectomy?
• What are some non-surgical or investigational therapies for Barrett's esophagus?