Barrett's Esophagus Definition & Overview

Definition

Barrett's esophagus is a complication of chronic esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is characterized by a change in the cells lining the esophagus. Normal cells are flat-shaped (squamous) cells, while Barrett's esophagus cells are shaped like a column. This cell change is called metaplasia . It is a premalignant phase that may eventually result in cancer of the esophagus if untreated.

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