The columnar-cell-lined (Barrett's) esophagus: a premalignant condition?

A 65-year-old man developed adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's epithelium of the esophagus. He died three months after unsuccessful surgery to remove the tumor. The columnar-cell-lined esophagus may represent a premalignant condition, and it is suggested that patients with this condition undergo regular follow-up examination.