An adult with Barrett’s esophagus should be educated about the risk of what condition?

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that arises when the normal squamous cells of the esophagus are replaced by columnar cells due to chronic exposure to stomach acid, typically from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One of the significant risks associated with Barrett’s esophagus is the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that can develop from the abnormal cell changes in the esophagus.

Patients with Barrett's esophagus are at an increased risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma due to the dysplastic changes that occur in the cells lining the esophagus. Regular surveillance endoscopies are often recommended to monitor for dysplasia and detect any early changes that could indicate progression to cancer. This highlights the importance of patient education regarding this risk to encourage adherence to surveillance recommendations and to promote awareness of symptoms that may prompt further evaluation.

While individuals with Barrett's esophagus may experience other conditions, such as GERD, the primary concern in terms of serious complications is the potential for progression to esophageal cancer, underscoring the need for awareness and appropriate management.