Complications of Barrett's esophagus

Complications list for Barrett's esophagus:

The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Barrett's esophagus includes:

• Narrowing of the esophagus (see Esophagus symptoms)

See also the symptoms of Barrett's esophagus and Introduction: Barrett's esophagus.

Complications of Barrett's esophagus:

Barrett's Esophagus: NIDDK (Excerpt)

Sometimes the damaged lining of the esophagus becomes thick and hardened, causing strictures, or narrowing of the esophagus. Strictures can interfere with eating and drinking by preventing food and liquid from reaching the stomach. Strictures are treated by dilation, in which an instrument gently stretches the strictures and expands the opening in the esophagus.

About 5 to 10 percent of people with Barrett's develop cancer of the esophagus. Because of the cancer risk, people with Barrett's esophagus are screened for esophageal cancer regularly. (Source: excerpt from Barrett's Esophagus: NIDDK)

What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Esophagus: NCI (Excerpt)

Long-term irritation can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Tissues at the bottom of the esophagus can become irritated if stomach acid frequently "backs up" into the esophagus -- a problem called gastric reflux . Over time, cells in the irritated part of the esophagus may change and begin to resemble the cells that line the stomach. This condition, known as Barrett's esophagus , is a premalignant condition that may develop into adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Esophagus: NCI)

You may also want to research other symptoms in our Symptoms Center.

About complications:

Complications of Barrett's esophagus are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by Barrett's esophagus. In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Barrett's esophagus and complications of Barrett's esophagus is unclear or arbitrary.