Facts About Barrett’s Esophagus

Here’s a list of notable information about Barrett’s Esophagus and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

• Barrett’s Esophagus is a complication of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
• Barrett’s Esophagus is considered a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• GERD affects an estimated 25%-35% of the US population (7%-10% with daily symptoms).
• 10%-20% of patients with chronic GERD symptoms have Barrett’s Esophagus.
• 44% of Barrett’s patients lack consistent severe GERD symptoms.
• Barrett’s Esophagus patients have 30-125 times greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.
• The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma is rising more rapidly than any other cancer, six fold increase from 1975 to 2001.
• The prevalence of Barrett’s Esophagus in general population is 1.6%, approximately 3.3 million in the United States.
• In an endoscopic series of patients, 0.9%-4.5% had Barrett’s Esophagus. The prevalence of cancer, high grade dysplasia, and low grade dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus are 6.7%, 3.0%, and 7.3%, respectively.
• The incidence rate of cancer, high grade dysplasia, and low grade dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus are 0.5%, 0.9% and 4.3% per year, respectively.
• 5% of patients with Barrett’s Esophagus develop esophageal cancer within 5-8 years of diagnosis.
• The incidence of high grade dysplasia progressing to cancer is 10% (range 6%-19%) per year.
• The incidence of low grade dysplasia progressing to cancer is 0.6% per year.
• 53% of patients with cancer/high grade dysplasia have no dysplasia at their frist two scopes.
• Short segment Barrett’s (≤ 3 cm) is 3 times more common than long segment Barrett’s Esophagus.
• Genetic variation in two chromosomes have been linked to development of Barrett’s Esophagus.
• Risk of mortality from esophagectomy for Barrett’s Esophagus is 2% (range of 0-4%).
• Five year survival rate for late stage esophageal adenocarcinoma is approximately 13%.