Barrett's esophagus develops in people who have bile reflux into the stomach and lower end of the esophagus in the presence of a hiatal hernia. It causes "intestinalization" of the lower end of the esophagus, which is then prone to develop esophageal cancer. However, unless there is dysplasia of the Barrett's esophagus, the risk for developing cancer is low. The risk for developing esophageal cancer in the general public is about one in a thousand. In those people with dysplastic changes in Barrett's esophagus, the risk of cancer is 0.51%, or about one in two hundred.
Most gastroenterologists follow their patients with Barrett's esophagus using upper GI endoscopy every year or two hoping to identify an esophageal cancer very early so it might be cured. If there are changes of dysplasia it might be wise to consider high frequency ablation of the surface lining of the Barrett's esophagus.
Blocking acid production is not a good idea because of a high incidence of complications that include osteoporosis, senile dementia, addiction to acid blockers, and blocked absorption of B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium. The use of licorice root extract (DGL), l-glutamine, probiotics, and other nutrients can relieve symptoms and may help prevent the development of cancer.
