Barrett's Esophagus (cont.)
In this Article
What is dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus?
Dysplasia is a change in the cells lining the esophagus in which the cells actually appear malignant (like cancer cells). However, unlike cancer these cells remain in place and don't invade tissues outside of the lining. Dysplasia occurs as a series of cell changes
as Barrett's esophagus progresses to Barrett's-associated cancer. Patients with
Barrett's are monitored with endoscopy and biopsies (surveillance) to detect
these cellular changes (the dysplasia) or at worst, early cancer so that they
may be treated. Currently, there is no way to predict which patients with
Barrett's esophagus will develop dysplasia.
Dysplasia also has been identified
adjacent to tumors of the gastrointestinal tract other than esophageal
adenocarcinoma. For example, dysplasia is found in half the cases of
stomach
cancer and in colon cancer, in which the dysplasia is visible as so-called
adenomatous polyps. Additionally, dysplasia is the same early warning cell
change that pathologists look for in PAP smears of the cervix that predict
uterine cancer.
Implications of dysplasia for cancer risk
Dysplasia is considered premalignant. This means that if dysplasia has been demonstrated on several occasions, it is believed that the patient will develop cancer if he or she lives long enough. Dysplasia is categorized as being high grade or low grade. When high grade dysplasia is diagnosed, cancer may already be present, and if not, the risk of developing cancer sooner is greater than with the lesser grades of dysplasia.
In follow-up biopsies of patients with dysplasia, the condition may not be detected again in some patients, whereas in others, low grades of dysplasia are found. This absence or decrease of dysplasia may be due factors such as sampling variations, the removal of tiny foci (groups of cells) of dysplasia with the initial biopsy, or actual biological reversal. The exact reason(s) are unknown.
Biomarkers
Using molecular techniques, some changes, referred to as biomarkers, can be detected in biopsy specimens before dysplasia develops. These changes are similar to those that are observed in other cancers. Biomarkers include changes in the DNA content of cells, in the genes and chromosomes, and in growth factors. A number of these biomarkers can be shown to appear before and during the occurrence of dysplasia. The ultimate goal is to find a magic marker that can tell us which patients among those with no dysplasia or low grade dysplasia are more likely to develop high grade dysplasia or cancer. Such patients then can be followed by surveillance more closely than others.
At present, all patients with Barrett's esophagus, from the surveillance point of view, are treated in the same manner. The availability of biomarkers would separate (stratify) Barrett's patients based on their risk for cancer. Such stratification would allow doctors to do biopsies more frequently in the minority of patients who are at greater risk of cancer and less frequently in those predicted to have a lower risk of cancer.
Another use for proven biomarkers would be to help confirm the pathologist's interpretation of dysplasia on biopsies.
Next: What is the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in Barrett's? »
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
- Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) - Learn about the endoscopy procedure which examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect gastrointestinal and digestive disorders on MedicineNet.com
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
Latest Medical News
Digestion RSS