Barrett Esophagus

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Barrett Esophagus is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Barrett Ulcer
BE
Columnar-Like Esophagus
Columnar-Lined Esophagus

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Barrett esophagus is a condition in which the cells that make up of the tissue of the lower end of the esophagus are abnormal. The esophagus is the thin tube that connects the back of the throat to the stomach. Chronic inflammation and ulceration of the lower end of the esophagus eventually causes the cells normally found there to be replaced by cells normally found in the intestines (intestinal metaplasia). Barrett esophagus does not usually cause any noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic). The disorder is considered a premalignant condition and affected individuals are at an increased risk (although their overall risk remains low) of developing cancer (adenocarcinoma) of the esophagus. Barrett esophagus usually occurs more often in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), a condition characterized by backflow (regurgitation) of the contents of stomach into the esophagus. The exact reason these tissue changes occur in Barrett esophagus is unknown.

Resources

Digestive Disease National Coalition
507 Capitol Court
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202)544-7497
Fax: (202)546-7105
Email: scott@hmcw.org
Internet: http://www.ddnc.org

NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
USA
Tel: (414)964-1799
Fax: (414)964-7176
Tel: (888)964-2001
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: http://www.iffgd.org

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, Inc.
PO Box 3842
Ithica, NY 14850-3842
Tel: (607)257-1141
Fax: (607)255-0349
Tel: (866)370-3222
Email: jgillett@ecaware.org
Internet: http://www.ecaware.org/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 9/24/2008
Copyright 1986, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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