Esophagus Pathology

Barrett’s esophagus occurs when chronic reflux (regurgitation) of the stomach contents up into the esophagus damages the normal lining of the esophagus.

A number of things, including chronic reflux (regurgitation) of the stomach contents up into the esophagus, trauma from taking medicines, and infections can injure the squamous lining of the esophagus. The esophagus reacts to the injury and tries to repair itself. This creates changes that can be seen under the microscope that are called reactive changes.

Barrett’s esophagus is only important because it raises your risk of cancer. If you already have cancer, having Barrett’s is not important.