How quickly does Barrett's esophagus turn to esophageal cancer?

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Hello doctor. I went to the doctor for Barrett's esophagus, I want to know if it's fast from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal cancer? The doctor performed an endoscopy and took medicine but did not take a biopsy. I am worried whether it is due to the subjectivity of the doctor or not? When to get a biopsy? I also want to know the treatment protocol to make sure to control and detect cancer cells early. Please help me with detailed instructions. Thank you very much doctor.
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Hello. If you've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, you've had an esophageal biopsy, because only a biopsy can accurately diagnose Barrett's presence. There is no specific timeline for the transition from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal cancer.
However, the literature reports that approximately 0.5% of Barrett's esophagus patients develop esophageal cancer each year. After an esophageal biopsy if it is Barrett, you should take medication and follow up with an endoscopy every 2-3 years. If the biopsy results are low-grade dysplasia, you should take medication and have a repeat endoscopy every 6-12 months. If the result is high-grade dysplasia, surgical intervention is needed.
You can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System to be examined by qualified doctors. Thank you for trusting and sharing the question "Does Barrett's esophagus turn to esophageal cancer quickly?" to Vinmec. Wishing you good health always.
Answered by Master, Doctor Vu Tan Phuc - Gastroenterologist - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital