Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
A systematic review of the association between Barrett's esophagus and colon neoplasms
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, USA.
Objective:
Patients with Barrett's esophagus may be at increased risk of colon neoplasms, including cancer. However, different studies of this have yielded conflicting results. The objective of this analysis was to review all existing published data in an attempt to determine whether there is such an association and, if so, to estimate the level of risk.
Methods:
We have reviewed all of the published studies examining the prevalence of colon neoplasms in patients with Barrett's esophagus. We have compared these with a cohort of patients drawn from the general population and participating in colorectal cancer screening programs.
Results:
The prevalence of colon cancer in patients with Barrett's esophagus was 7.6% compared with 1.6% in the control group. The pooled odds ratio for colon cancer in Barrett's esophagus was 5.19 (p < 0.0001). In a small subgroup analysis, the odds ratio for colon cancer in patients identified as having Barrett's esophagus with specialized columnar epithelium was 8.71 (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
We conclude that patients with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk of colon cancer. This may be particularly true in those patients with specialized columnar epithelium.
Related Concept Videos
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...

