Barrett's esophagus is a change in the lining of the tube that transports food from your mouth to your stomach. If you have Barrett's, you may develop abnormal cell growth called dysplasia in this lining that can lead to esophageal cancer.
Signs You Should Get Help for Barrett's Esophagus
If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you're at risk for developing Barrett's esophagus. You should get help if you have the following symptoms caused by GERD:
- Frequent heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
- Fluid at the back of your throat
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bloody stools
- Chest pain
Barrett's Esophagus Care at Rush
Our expert team will help you find the best options to ease your discomfort and prevent your condition from progressing. Your care may include the following strategies:
Lifestyle changes: We can help you find the right diet and medications to manage your symptoms.
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): If you have abnormal cell growth in your esophagus, this procedure can remove early-stage cancers without surgery.
Radiofrequency ablation: You may benefit from this nonsurgical procedure if you have abnormal cells in your esophagus that could become cancer. It uses radio waves to destroy the abnormal cells so normal cells can grow back.
Surgical options: If you need surgery to remove abnormal tissue in your esophagus, our surgeons can use minimally invasive techniques so you feel less pain and recover more quickly than if you had traditional surgery.
Meet our Barrett's esophagus providers
Rush Excellence in Barrett's Esophagus Care
- Quick access to care: We understand that you don't want to wait to see a doctor. Our gastroenterologists can often see you in-person or through a video visit within one week — and even sometimes on the same day.
- Sophisticated testing: We offer the latest tests for Barrett's esophagus at Rush. This includes endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which provides doctors with more detailed images than many other types of tests, so you can get the answers you need to move forward with your treatment.
- Pioneers in new therapies: If you have Barrett's esophagus, you benefit from our team's long history of providing innovative treatments. Interventional gastroenterologists at Rush University Medical Center were some of the first doctors in Chicago to offer radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus.
- A holistic approach: We work in partnership with you to provide the care and resources you need as you cope with Barrett's esophagus. We offer medical, nutritional and psychological support to help you take charge of your condition.
- National expertise in GI and cancer care: We want you to achieve the best health possible. This patient-centered approach is one reason why U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center as among the best in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery, as well as cancer care.