Barrett's Esophagus Health Center

Diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus depends mainly on the individual experiencing advanced and frequent acid reflux symtpoms and their decision to seek medical treatment. Because Barrett's esophagus produces no new symptoms, many physicians recommend that adults older than age 40 who have had GERD for many years undergo an endoscopy and biopsies (removal of tissue sample) to check for the development of Barrett's esophagus.

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be used to obtain biopsies of the esophagus to check for the condition. After the patient has been sedated, the doctor inserts a flexible tube, known as an endoscope, into the esophagus. This tube has a light and miniature camera to give the doctor a closer look at the internal tissue. If the tissue appears suspicious, the doctor proceeds to remove several small pieces using a pincher-like device which is passed through the endoscope. The tissue undergoes testing to reach a proper diagnosis.