Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Barrett's Esophagus, Laura Hickey

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

The incidence of esophageal cancer, a deadly cancer, is rising and the only known precursor is Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which mucosa undergo progressive multi-step cellular changes. Currently, the exact pathogenesis is uncertain, but likely occurs from chronic reflux of acid and bile in the distal esophagus. Understanding the limited pathology of Barrett’s esophagus guides screening, surveillance, diagnosis and treatment. The current focus, though guidelines vary, recommends screening those at highest risk of developing Barrett’s: Caucasian males, over the age of 50, with central obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, a history of smoking and a familial history …