Barrett's Esophagus

The information provided here is aimed to help patients, family members, physicians, and others better understand Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes from its normal type to a type that is usually found in the intestines. Patients with Barrett's esophagus have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. However, this progression occurs in a step-wise fashion, such that precancerous changes can be detected and treated early. This website will walk you through how Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer are diagnosed and treated.

Barretts pathology slide

Contact Us

Getting a second opinion on your pathology diagnosis can clarify or even change a diagnosis. This can affect prognosis as well as therapy, and adds important data that contributes to a larger cause: making sure every diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer, everywhere, is as accurate as possible.

Microscope and pathoogy slide

Your Results

Your pathologist will use slides to look for esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, dysplasia, and esophageal cancer.

JHU Barrett's Esophagus Team

Our Expertise

Diagnosing and treating Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer is truly a multidisciplinary team effort. The BE Pathology Service is one integral part of the comprehensive, patient-centered team approach at Johns Hopkins.

Sunrise road

A Personal Story

Jim's Journey with Esophageal Cancer - Written by his wife, Carolyn, a registered nurse with a Master's Degree in Public Health.

10-15%

of patients with GERD have Barrett's esophagus

~55 yrs

is the average age at which patients are diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus

0.33%

is the annual risk of developing esophageal cancer with non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus