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Barretts Oesophagus, often known just as Barretts, is a condition that affects some people who have had severe reflux of acid and bile for a long time.
 

Lord Darzi of Denham appointed Patron of Barrett's Oesophagus Campaign

Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham PC, KBE, has agreed to become a Patron of Barrett's Oesophagus Campaign – the national charity dedicated to the prevention of cancer from Barrett's Oesophagus and the support of people living with the condition. Read more...

The acid and bile from the stomach can cause inflammation to the cells lining the oesophagus. If this happens over many years, these cells may start to change, becoming more like the cells that line the intestine.

This is then called Barrett’s Oesophagus.

Graphic of oesophagus

Acid and bile coming from the stomach into the oesophagus may cause heartburn.

The normal oesophagus (gullet or food pipe) is lined with a pinkish-white tissue called squamous epithelium (left image).

Barrett's oesophagus is a condition in which the normal squamous epithelium of the oesophagus has been replaced by an abnormal red columnar epithelium (right image).

In the US it is referred to as esophageal cancer / cancer of the esophagus.

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