Barrett’s Oesophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus is a serious type of complication. It is also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The tube which carries the food from the mouth to the stomach is the tissue lining. It changes to look like the tissue resembling the intestine lining. Barrett’s oesophagus is diagnosed in those people who have chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. It is a long term regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the lower part of the oesophagus. It is linked with an increased risk of contracting oesophageal cancer. It is important for people who are suffering with it to go for regular checkups to identify precancerous cells. When they are detected, they can be immediately treated to prevent oesophageal cancer. This condition is also sometimes referred to as Barrett’s Syndrome. The lower line of the oesophagus known as Cello has an abnormal change or metaplasia in the cells of the lower part of the oesophagus. It is characterised by the replacement of the normal stratified squamous epithelium lining of the oesophagus by columnar epithelium accompanied by goblet cells found in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The medical significance of Barrett’s Oesophagus is its strong link with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. It is a deadly type of cancer once it develops from a premalignant stage.