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Barrett's esophagus - Symptom

Symptoms:

Barrett's esophagus itself does not cause symptoms. The acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus results in symptoms of heartburn.

Signs and tests:

Diagnosis involves looking at the esophagus with an endoscope and obtaining a sample of esophagus tissue for examination. This procedure is called an esophagoscopy with biopsy.

Follow-up endoscopy is often advised to look for complications such as cancer.

Digestive system

Esophagus and stomach anatomy

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Wilson, J F. In the clinic. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Ann Intern Med. 2008; 149(3):ITC2-1-15; quiz ITC2-16.

Wang, K K and Sampliner, R E. Updated guidelines 2008 for the diagnosis, surveillance and therapy of Barrett's esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103(3): 788-97.

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