Is Barrett's esophagus a dangerous cancer risk? What is the definitive treatment?

Question
Hello doctor, when my mother went to the doctor, it was concluded that Barrett's esophagus is short and has a high risk of cancer. So the doctor asked me, is Barrett's esophagus a dangerous cancer risk? What is the definitive treatment? And is the cancer rate high? Is it possible to cut it off to prevent it? I thank Dr. much sir!
Hoang Tien Quoc (1997)
Reply
Hello! Barrett's esophagus is the result of long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease that damages the normal lining of the esophagus and is replaced by other types of cells. On the background of Barrett's esophagus, there are abnormal lesions such as dysplasia, dysplasia, even cancer.
The rate of malignancy of Barrett's esophagus is in the range of 0.5 - 01%, however these problems can be controlled with regular esophagoscopy and examination. Because with the advancement of medical technology, doctors can detect suspected lesions from very early stages and treat them completely. Therefore, I should take my mother to have an esophagoscopy - stomach every year, thoroughly cure gastroesophageal reflux disease - if any.
As for the treatment of Barrett's lesions, it is possible to cut or burn with Argon Laser, cryotherapy... If examined, treated and monitored systematically, this pathology is not worrisome. I can take my mother to the hospitals of Vinmec Health System for more specific advice from the doctor.
Thank you for trusting Vinmec. Best regards!

Answered by Specialist Doctor I Dong Xuan Ha - Digestive Endoscopy Doctor - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.