Barrett's esophagus. Diagnosis, follow-up and treatment

Barrett's Esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition in the esophagus. Esophageal adenocarcinomas have the fastest increase of incidence of all solid tumors in the western world. BE is defined as areas with macroscopic visible columnar epithelium and intestinal metaplasia oral of the anatomical gastroesophageal junction. The extent of the endoscopic findings is described by the Prague classification. The metaplasia is histologically confirmed by the presence of intestinal metaplasia. The diagnosis of BE can only be made by a combined macroscopic and microscopic examination. The histological description should include evaluation of dysplasia, and if present it should be classified as low or high grade dysplasia. All patients are offered relevant antireflux treatment with PPI or surgery. Ablation or mucosal resection of metaplastic epithelia with or without low grade dysplasia is experimental and it is not recommended outside controlled studies. Treatment of high grade dysplasia and carcinoma in situ is handled in departments treating esophageal cancer. Follow-up with endoscopy and biopsy can be offered. Follow-up endoscopy with biopsy can only be recommended after thorough information to the patients, as evidence for the value is scarce.