Barrett’s Esophagus
by Kevin
After my father was diagnosed with it, I scoured the Internet to learn as much as I could about Barrett’s Esophagus. I learned that as many as millions go undiagnosed and untreated until it is too late. So this site will represent the culmination of my studies presented in a comprehensive yet accessible manner. While it may sound like a bold ambition, I hope this site will change hundreds if not thousands of lives for the better.
It is important to determine whether you’re experiencing stomach cancer symptoms, stomach ulcer symptoms, GERD Symptoms (like heartburn) or Barrett’s Esophagus symptoms. While they overlap both in symptoms and in their core medical origins, assuming your symptoms fulfill one diagnosis and not investigating the other ailments can be dangerous — I mean, it can literally be deadly.
It is also important to recognize and appreciate how even if you are diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus, you can still live a long and healthy life, so don’t become despondent.
Although doctors don’t yet know why, men appear to be three times more likely to develop Barrett’s Esophagus than women. It is also a disease which seems to have genetic traces, so if a family member experiences cancer of any part of the digestion system, you should let your doctor know.
If you experience consistent and long-lasting GERD symptoms, you should consider discussing Barrett’s Esophagus with your physician. With gastric reflux — formally known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (hence, G.E.R.D.) — liquid from your stomach regurgitates into your lower esophagus, leaving a wash of acid to eat at your esophagus. This occurring over time is precisely what leads to Barrett’s Esophagus… and in time can lead to esophageal cancer.
Since Barrett’s Esophagus is a known precursor to esophageal cancer (or esophageal adenocarcinoma) — which is a very difficult cancer to fight if not treated early enough — you need to take any family or diet risks you’ve developed very seriously.
Barrett’s Esophagus is named for Dr. Norman Barrett, an Australian-born British surgeon who first defined and described Barrett’s Esophagus in 1957.
Do not try diagnosing Barrett’s Esophagus on your own. Proper and accurate diagnosis requires viewing the esophagus internally with an endoscope and extracting a sample of the esophagus tissue to examine it for Barrett’s esophagus. This procedure is called an esophagoscopy with biopsy, or if you like really big words, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
I hope my site helps people realize the importance of treating gastric reflux (GERD) symptoms early and receiving a proper medical diagnosis to avoid developing these serious, life-threatening conditions. Join me on my quest to inform people about Barrett’s Esophagus and help prevent its untreated development.
Thank you for visiting, please return again soon as I grow and refine my website… and please, take care of yourself!