Barrett’s Oesophagus pathology is an abnormal change in the cells located in the lower part of the oesophagus.
The risk factors associated to this illness are advanced age, being male, white, obese, and the presence of symptoms of chronic Gastric Reflux Illness, although on occasions Barrett’s Oesophagus may even occur without any of the usual symptoms.
The importance of an early diagnosis and treatment of this illness lies in its potential progression towards an oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Barrett’s Oesophagus symptoms:
- Frequent and long lasting stomach acidity.
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
- Blood regurgitation (hematemesis).
- Retrosternal pain at the point where the stomach and oesophagus come together.
- Weight loss due to difficulty in eating.
Gastroscopy and oesophageal biopsies are fundamental in both the diagnosis and monitoring of this illness.
When faced with a suspicion or the diagnosis of this illness, it is important that the patient consult a medical centre that specializes in the treatment of digestive illnesses.