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Barrett's esophagus

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Question

In regards to Barrett's esophagus, do the pre-cancer cells mean cancer?

Answer of our experts

Barrett's esophagus is an advanced stage of reflux where there have been changes in the lining of the esophagus which is thought to be precancerous by some. It is known that the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is higher in people with Barrett's esophagus than in the general population. This of course, does not mean that all patients with Barrett's esophagus will get cancer if the esophagus.

At present there is little known about children and cancer of the esophagus. We know that Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition in adults and strongly recommend evaluation, treatment and monitoring.

Once Barrett’s esophagus has been diagnosed and managed appropriately, an EGD should be done annually for several years to ascertain resolution. There has been a single case report of an adult with adenocarcinoma of the bowel following a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus.

TK 7-13-10

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Find other pages that share the same topic as this page Reflux2 Reflux37 Risk of Cancer in CdLS1 Adult medical Follow-up

Recommendation(s)

Reflux

R32
Consider always gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in any individual with CdLS owing to its frequency and wide variability in presentation, which includes challenging behaviour.
R33
Modification of nutrition and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the first-line treatments of GORD. Anti-reflux medications need to be used to their maximum dosage. Surgical interventions for GORD should be limited to those individuals with CdLS in whom nutritional and medical treatments have been unsuccessful or airway safety is at risk.
R34
If GORD symptoms persist, endoscopy should be strongly considered whilst an individual with CdLS is still in paediatric care.
R35
Surveillance for Barrett’s Oesophagus needs to be discussed with and decided together with the family, balancing the potential gain in health and burden for the individual with CdLS.

Recommendation(s)

Risk of Cancer in CdLS

R25
Women with CdLS should be offered breast cancer screening according to national guidelines for the general population.
R26
Routine gynaecologic care including cervical screening should be performed in women with CdLS, according to national guidelines for the general population.

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