Barrett's esophagus

noun

Bar·​rett's esophagus ˈbar-its-, ˈber- How to pronounce Barrett's esophagus (audio)
variants also Barrett's epithelium
: metaplasia of the lower esophagus that is characterized by replacement of squamous epithelium with columnar epithelium, occurs especially as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux, and is associated with an increased risk for esophageal carcinoma
As many as 12% of the estimated 15 million GERD sufferers will develop Barrett's esophagus, and from 5% to 10% of those will go on to develop cancer.Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal

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Cite this Entry

“Barrett's esophagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/Barrett%27s%20esophagus. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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