Barrett's esophagus: What to expect?

Barrett's esophagus is an area where cancer cells can form. You'd better have it checked on a regular basis. My husband had it and about twelve years ago and had an ablation to remove it. Eventually it came back and this June he had an esophagectomy—cancer in the cardia area (where the esophagus enters the stomach). Be wise and stay on top of it—spicy food or not.

I was diagnosed with BE in 2018, I then went on a strict low acid diet which is not fun but it’s better than getting cancer. No soda booze or carbonated drinks. No Mexican, Italian or Spicy foods. No fast fried foods or citrus. Cut out all spices. Drink alkaline water, unsweetened almond milk. You can buy low acid coffee on Amazon but don’t drink too much. Eat chicken breast fresh veggies. Limit processed foods. You should be on a ppi to lower acid production. My last 2 scopes the BE was gone! So get on board with your new diet and your family will lose weight and feel better.

Ok... sounds like you've had an official Barrett's diagnosis. Not great, but definitely NOT yet cancer. So you definitely stay monitored. Should future endoscopies and/or biopsies show a progression towards low or high grade dysplasia... then esophageal cancer is just around the corner. It's been awhile since I've looked up the stats for who develops EC... but I was thinking maybe less than half for those who have Barrett's... but maybe near 70%(?) for those with high grade dysplasia. So... you keep an eye on things!!

In the meantime, if your tummy is giving you problems... yes, take certain meds (omeprazole, and maybe some gaviscon before bedtime)... and sleep a tad elevated to help you avoid night time reflux. And make a few diet changes as necessary. Just the fact that you are feeling what you are is a good thing... most can not tell things are going on inside.

Remember... maybe EC is never coming for you, which would be wonderful. But... if it does come, you can progress to stage 4 rather quickly.... and that is no Bueno!!

Be well,

Gary

Thanks, I am scared of the EC. I will make a new appt. I blew off borland groover last week. I just hate going expecting bad news.

Some excellent advice above!!!! Good luck & God bless!!!!

So true. The changes are hard, but it is worth it.

@jobycat, did you get the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus confirmed? Did you have an endoscopy?

I was recently diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus and intestinal metaplasia. My GI sent me a message in portal letting me know and that he would redo the scope in 3 years. This seems like a long way off. My GI scope a year ago was clean. So this could appear in a single year I am concerned about what 3 years will do. No instructions at all other than continue on medication prescribed a year ago.

I was able to get an appt with a GI close by that appears to have very good reviews regarding this issue.

Any insight on the 3 years would be appreciated.
I can research on the diet but the 3 years is not sitting well with me.

Thank you!

@jeahunt12 I was diagnosed with Barretts in 2015, a results of chronic acid reflux over many years. I was having trouble swallowing, I had the endoscopy and dilation of the area in my esophagus where the metaplasia had occurred. I was then put on a 3-year endoscopy schedule (2018 and 2021, 2024), and 40mg Omeprazole. Biopsies were taken at each of these procedures.
The biopsy analysis in 2024 showed a likelihood of dysplasia (pre-cancerous), so I was placed on a 6-month endoscopy schedule. A new GI doctor came into the practice in late 2025, he did my late 2025 endoscopy and sent the biopsy samples to both the regular testing lab, and also to a “Tissue Cypher” test that tests the likelihood of dysplasia advancement. That result came back as “very likely” to become cancerous.
Consequently I had a “Radio Frequency Ablation” (RFA) in February of this year, where the Barrett’s cells were burned off and new “normal” cells replaced them. Disclosure- This procedure has an extremely painful recovery, it’s like being very badly sun-burned on the inside of your esophagus, and I also had trouble swallowing from the swelling, however now (3 months later) I have no pain and everything appears to be normal. I go back in for an endoscopy on May 27, where any remaining Barretts cells will be ablated, and just to check on how things are down there. I am also now on 80mg daily of Omeprazole.
I hope this helps you with your question, please feel fre to DM or reply back here with questions.

@jobycat Go to or call Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and ask for Dr. Swathi Eluri!! She is a wonderful gastroenterologist who does cryoablations which you will need to keep the Barrett's under control. You probably will need to have your records sent to her and have a consultation so I would do this ASAP. How do I know this because I have BE and was treated by her before moving back to Florida. I now have a Dr. at Moffitt that also does "cryoablation". It is a very specialized treatment and not a lot of GE's out there that can do it. And last but not least Dr. Eluri is VERY easy on the eyes!!! Good Luck.