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Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal squamous epithelial cells lining the lower esophagus are replaced by intestinal-type columnar cells -- a process called intestinal metaplasia. This cellular change occurs as a result of chronic acid exposure from long-standing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Barrett's esophagus is found in approximately 10-15% of patients with chronic GERD symptoms.
The significance of Barrett's esophagus lies in its potential to progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma -- a type of esophageal cancer. While the annual risk of progression is relatively low (0.5-1% per year), the condition requires regular endoscopic surveillance with biopsies to detect any dysplasia (precancerous changes) at an early, treatable stage. When dysplasia is found early, endoscopic treatment can prevent cancer from developing.
Dr. Jing Tong provides expert Barrett's esophagus care at his Flushing, Queens office. Using HD endoscopy with advanced imaging techniques, he performs meticulous surveillance biopsies following the Seattle protocol (systematic four-quadrant biopsies). His Johns Hopkins training and therapeutic endoscopy license qualify him to perform endoscopic treatments for dysplastic Barrett's, including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), potentially avoiding the need for esophageal surgery.
Long-standing acid reflux (5+ years) is the primary risk factor
Men are 2-3 times more likely to develop Barrett's
Central (abdominal) obesity increases risk
Current or past smoking history increases risk
Family history of Barrett's or esophageal cancer
More common in patients over 50 years old
Dr. Tong uses high-definition endoscopy to identify the characteristic salmon-colored Barrett's tissue. Systematic biopsies are taken following the Seattle protocol for accurate pathological assessment.
Aggressive acid suppression with PPIs is essential to reduce ongoing acid damage, prevent Barrett's progression, and allow healing. Dr. Tong optimizes your medication regimen for maximum effectiveness.
Regular surveillance endoscopies are scheduled based on dysplasia status: every 3-5 years for non-dysplastic Barrett's, more frequently if dysplasia is detected. This catches any progression early.
If dysplasia is detected, Dr. Tong can perform endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to remove abnormal tissue and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to destroy remaining Barrett's tissue, preventing progression to cancer.
Advanced training in Barrett's surveillance techniques and dysplasia management from a world-leading institution.
Licensed to perform EMR and ablation procedures, offering a full range of Barrett's management without referral elsewhere.
Clear explanation of this complex condition in English, Mandarin, and Shanghainese.
Convenient Roosevelt Avenue office for regular surveillance appointments.
No. The annual risk of progression to cancer is about 0.5-1%. Most patients with Barrett's never develop cancer, especially with proper surveillance and GERD management. Regular monitoring ensures any changes are caught early.
While the cellular changes typically do not reverse on their own, aggressive acid suppression may prevent progression. Endoscopic ablation techniques like RFA can effectively destroy Barrett's tissue, allowing normal esophageal cells to regrow.
For Barrett's without dysplasia, surveillance is recommended every 3-5 years. If low-grade dysplasia is found, every 6-12 months. High-grade dysplasia requires endoscopic treatment. Dr. Tong follows ACG guidelines for surveillance intervals.
Screening is recommended for patients with chronic GERD symptoms (5+ years) plus additional risk factors such as male gender, age over 50, obesity, smoking, or family history of Barrett's or esophageal cancer.
Yes, surveillance endoscopy and treatment for Barrett's esophagus are typically covered by insurance as medically necessary procedures. Call our Flushing office at 718-886-9819 to verify your specific coverage.
Schedule your Barrett's surveillance endoscopy with Dr. Jing Tong in Flushing.
