Another look at Barrett's esophagus - Current thinking on screening and surveillance strategies

When British surgeon Norman Barrett first identified the metaplastic column ar epithelium of the esophagus that bears his name, the condition was consi dered an oddity that was probably of little significance. Now, half a centu ry later, Barrett's esophagus is recognized as the most serious complicatio n of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a precursor of esophageal a denocarcinoma. Primary care physicians often face concerns about how to man age patients with long-standing GERD who could be at risk for cancer. In th is article, Dr Gopal reviews the incidence of Barrett's esophagus, current screening recommendations, surveillance guidelines, prevention strategies, and management options for patients found to have the condition.