Barrett's Esophagus in Florida
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Find a ProviderWhat is Barrett's esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is a complication of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). This condition is present if the normal tissue in your swallowing tube alters to mimic the tissue lining your intestines. Despite that the risk of esophageal cancer increases with individuals who experience Barrett’s esophagus, the likelihood of forming cancer due to this GI problem is lower than 1 percent. In the event that you or a loved one experiences GERD, then we encourage you to schedule regular visits with a Florida gastroenterologist to oversee your health and look for symptoms of Barrett's esophagus. You can request an appointment with one of our local gastroenterologists through Gastroenterology Associates of Florida today.
Who does Barrett’s esophagus affect?
The dominant cause of Barrett’s esophagus is years of unmanaged gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD won't necessarily develop into Barrett’s esophagus, although if the acid reflux is not supervised, over several years it is possible Barrett’s could develop. Factors of higher risk include:
- Those with large amounts of stomach fat
- Smokers or those who have been a smoker
- Family history
- Those who are caucasian
- Being a man
- Being older
Our GI doctors offer personalized treatment for Barrett's esophagus in Florida. If you fear you might be at risk, please reach out to our team at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida to set up a consultation.
Indicators of Barrett's esophagus
Most people find no particular signs accompanying the cellular changes in Barrett’s esophagus. Much of the time, people with Barrett’s esophagus will not show any indications or symptoms.
When you have been experiencing acid reflux or other types of troubles for long periods of time, our Gastroenterology Associates of Florida GI experts recommend visiting and testing with your digestive health physician. The only way to know if you have Barrett’s esophagus is to perform a front-end GI scope and perform a biopsy of the esophageal tissue.
Among the symptoms connected with Barrett’s esophagus:
- Swallowing trouble
- Frequent acid reflux (heartburn)
- Chest pain (not as common)
If you have dealt with GERD for a long period of time, and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consider scheduling a consultation with one of our GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida.
What are the options for Barrett’s esophagus treatment?
The approach to treating Barrett’s esophagus is different from other gastrointestinal ailments. The specific treatment provided corresponds with the amount of precancerous cell presence, known as dysplasia, existing in your esophageal lining.
The different stages of dysplasia (atypical cell development) and standard treatments include:
- No dysplasia: Despite that no atypical cells are present, it is still essential to schedule regular GI scopes with your doctor to detect modifications to the tissue in the esophagus. Your doctor will also normally advise treatments similar to those who have acid reflux (such as behavioral alterations or prescription medication).
- Low-grade dysplasia: With a low level of abnormal tissue formation, you might need to have endoscopic resection or radiofrequency ablation for treatment.
- High-grade dysplasia: For those who have a greater amount of abnormal esophageal lining, freezing treatments, photodynamic treatments, or surgery might be required.
To receive quality treatment, schedule a consultation with our GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida. They are dedicated to ensuring that you are fully informed of the treatment options available to you, and will work with you to choose the treatment that works with your needs.
Expert care for Barrett's esophagus
If you are dealing with persistent heartburn and haven't sought out proper treatment, this can bring about Barrett's esophagus. This serious but fixable complication associated with GERD can be verified and addressed by a skilled GI doctor. If you'd like to find a gastroenterologist who will work alongside you to help with your gastrointestinal disease, including Barrett's esophagus, we invite you to contact the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida. As a physician-led group of GI specialists, Gastroenterology Associates of Florida is home to leading authorities on conditions such as Barrett's esophagus. Contact our Florida location to find your expert in digestive wellness now.
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