Barrett's Esophagus as a Premalignant Condition: Medical and Surgical Therapeutic Management

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a condition with a high risk of progressing to cancer, primarily caused by gastro-esophageal reflux, smoking, and obesity. It involves the transformation of the esophageal lining from squamous to intestinal type due to mucosal damage. Diagnosis is mainly through endoscopy, which also allows for therapeutic intervention by removing dysplastic lesions to lower cancer risk. Treatment options include chemoprotective agents like proton pump inhibitors and statins, as well as surgical procedures to remove high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma and reduce reflux. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age and other health conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing BE's malignant potential.