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| Barrett's esophagus. red velvety appearance |
Barrett's Esophagus (Oesophagus)
Definition and causes:
It is an esophageal disorder caused by prolonged gastro-esophageal reflux disease, characterized by replacement of normal squamous epithelium by columnar epithelium at the lower end of the
esophagus.
Morphology:
Macroscopic and Microscopic study will reveal following features.
1. Esophageal mucosa appear red velvety
2. Metastatic columnar epithelium of the stomach is present at the lower end of oesophagus.
3. Sometime Metastatic columnar Columnar epithelium contains intestinal goblet cells.
4. Low-grade or high-grade dysplasia may be present which may lead to adenocarcinoma.
Complications:
1. Ulceration
2. Bleeding
3. Stricture
4. Development of adenocarcinoma
Treatment:
Following treatment options may be considered;
1. Proton pump inhibitors to control GERD ( gastro esophageal reflux disease)
2. Esophagectomy: that is removal of esophagus
3. Endoscopic resection of esophageal mucosa.
Because There is high risk of esophageal cancer in individuals with barrett's esophagus therefore extensive treatment is done.