If you have Barrett’s esophagus, part of the lining of your esophagus near the stomach has changed. Acid reflux can cause this. The changed lining is not cancer but can lead to cancer at a later stage.
It is important that anyone with chronic heartburn have a test called an upper endoscopy to see if they have developed Barrett’s esophagus.
Your doctor will provide you methods to control your acid reflux.
If you do have Barrett’s esophagus, your doctor will want you to have follow-up upper endoscopies. These will see if there are any changes that can lead to cancer. If cancer develops, surgery will be needed to remove the esophagus.
Another form of treatment may be Ablation Therapy. With radiofrequency, the doctor can lightly remove the Barrett’s esophagus lining so the normal lining can grow again. This can help prevent cancer of the esophagus. This is done as an outpatient procedure.