Barrett Esophagus
A condition with damage to the lining of the lower ESOPHAGUS resulting from chronic acid reflux (ESOPHAGITIS, REFLUX). Through the process of metaplasia, the squamous cells are replaced by a columnar epithelium with cells resembling those of the INTESTINE or the salmon-pink mucosa of the STOMACH. Barrett's columnar epithelium is a marker for severe reflux and precursor to ADENOCARCINOMA of the esophagus.
Esophagus
Esophageal Neoplasms
Tumors or cancer of the ESOPHAGUS.
Metaplasia
Precancerous Conditions
Genes, MCC
Cardia
That part of the STOMACH close to the opening from ESOPHAGUS into the stomach (cardiac orifice), the ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION. The cardia is so named because of its closeness to the HEART. Cardia is characterized by the lack of acid-forming cells (GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS).
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Retrograde flow of gastric juice (GASTRIC ACID) and/or duodenal contents (BILE ACIDS; PANCREATIC JUICE) into the distal ESOPHAGUS, commonly due to incompetence of the LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER.
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Esophagoscopy
Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the esophagus.
Disease Progression
Immunohistochemistry
Esophagogastric Junction
The area covering the terminal portion of ESOPHAGUS and the beginning of STOMACH at the cardiac orifice.
Esophagectomy
Excision of part (partial) or all (total) of the esophagus. (Dorland, 28th ed)
Mucous Membrane
An EPITHELIUM with MUCUS-secreting cells, such as GOBLET CELLS. It forms the lining of many body cavities, such as the DIGESTIVE TRACT, the RESPIRATORY TRACT, and the reproductive tract. Mucosa, rich in blood and lymph vessels, comprises an inner epithelium, a middle layer (lamina propria) of loose CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and an outer layer (muscularis mucosae) of SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS that separates the mucosa from submucosa.
Hernia, Hiatal
STOMACH herniation located at or near the diaphragmatic opening for the ESOPHAGUS, the esophageal hiatus.
Esophageal Diseases
Pathological processes in the ESOPHAGUS.
Esophageal Stenosis
A stricture of the ESOPHAGUS. Most are acquired but can be congenital.
Endoscopy
Procedures of applying ENDOSCOPES for disease diagnosis and treatment. Endoscopy involves passing an optical instrument through a small incision in the skin i.e., percutaneous; or through a natural orifice and along natural body pathways such as the digestive tract; and/or through an incision in the wall of a tubular structure or organ, i.e. transluminal, to examine or perform surgery on the interior parts of the body.