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

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition that can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma, primarily due to factors like gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, and obesity. Diagnosis is typically performed through endoscopic examination, which also facilitates the resection of dysplastic lesions to mitigate cancer risk. Treatment strategies include the use of chemoprotective agents such as proton pump inhibitors and statins, alongside surgical interventions for high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. The choice of treatment is influenced by patient-specific factors like age and comorbidities, highlighting the critical need for early detection and tailored therapeutic approaches to manage BE and prevent its progression to cancer.