Barrett's oesophagus--a ray of hope.
The incidence of oesophageal cancer at the cardia is believed to be increasing, especially in younger individuals. Although the causes are unknown, Barrett's oesophagus may be such a cause, since it has a proven pre-malignant potential. It is generally believed that long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease predisposes to columnar transformation in the oesophagus, although it is unclear whether medical or surgical treatment has significant effects in the long term.
Heatley
R V
RV
Division of Medicine, St James's University Hospital and University of Leeds, UK.
Guillou
P G
PG
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D012737:Sex Factors