Barrett’s esophagus begins when you have ongoing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Without treatment, Barrett’s esophagus increases your risk of developing cancer. The board-certified gastroenterologists at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. have extensive experience diagnosing and treating both conditions, giving you relief from uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn while protecting the health of your esophagus. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, call the office in St. Clair Shores or Macomb, Michigan.

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What is Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus occurs when stomach acid damages the cells lining your lower esophagus (the long tube running from your throat to your stomach). You develop this condition when gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) allows acids to move from your stomach into the esophagus.

The ongoing reflux of stomach acid irritates and damages the cells. As a result, the cells change, transforming from normal esophageal cells into abnormal cells similar to those lining your intestine.

Without treatment, the abnormal cells may develop into a rare type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.

What symptoms occur if I have Barrett’s esophagus?

The cellular changes that define Barrett’s esophagus seldom cause symptoms. However, you will have symptoms caused by GERD, including:

  • Heartburn (at least twice weekly)
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Dry cough
  • Regurgitation
  • Painful or difficult swallowing
  • Dental erosion
  • The sensation of a lump in your throat

If esophageal cancer develops, you may also have symptoms such as vomiting, blood in your stool, and unintended weight loss.

How is Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed?

Your provider diagnoses Barrett’s esophagus with an upper endoscopy. During the procedure, they insert a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) through your mouth and guide it to the bottom of the esophagus.

The scope contains lighting and a video camera, providing magnified images that allow your provider to examine the tissues. They pass instruments through the scope to take tissue biopsies then lab technicians examine the tissues and identify any abnormal cellular changes.

How is Barrett’s esophagus treated?

Your provider treats your GERD with lifestyle changes and medications like antacids and proton pump inhibitors.

If you need more than medication to stop GERD, they perform anti-reflux surgery. During anti-reflux surgery, they reinforce the muscle responsible for holding acids inside your stomach.

Treatment for Barrett’s esophagus depends on the extent of the cell’s precancerous changes. If most cells are still normal, your provider may choose to monitor the condition, only treating it if the condition progresses.

If you have a high risk for cancer, your provider eliminates the damaged cells using radiofrequency ablation. They use an endoscope to deliver radiofrequency energy that destroys the cells. Then new, normal cells grow in to replace them.

You can prevent Barrett’s esophagus by getting early treatment for GERD. To get help for either condition, call G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C.

Improving Care for Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

TissueCypher® provides increased confidence that treatment decisions are tailored to each individual patient, leading to more personalized and precise care.

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What is the TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Assay?

The TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Assay is the first diagnostic test of its kind that predicts your risk for developing esophageal cancer if you have Barrett’s esophagus. It is intended for people with Barrett’s esophagus who have had an endoscopy procedure with biopsies.

The assay analyzes the biopsies taken during your endoscopy to produce a risk score that ranges from 0-10, with 0 being the lowest risk and 10 being the highest risk for developing more serious esophageal disease or cancer. Importantly, the assay provides personalized information that can estimate your chances for developing cancer, information not available through other means.

Getting tested with TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Assay is simple:

STEP 1

Your healthcare provider orders the TissueCypher test.

STEP 2

Castle Biosciences works with your healthcare provider’s pathology laboratory to obtain a tissue sample from your original biopsy. A repeat biopsy is NOT necessary.

STEP 3

Castle Biosciences analyzes your tissue sample with the TissueCypher test.

STEP 4

Castle Biosciences sends your test results to your healthcare provider, so that they can discuss your individual results with you and determine next steps.

Will my insurance cover this test?

The TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Assay is a diagnostic test that helps determine your risk for developing esophageal cancer if you have Barrett’s esophagus. Information provided by this test is not available through other means, including other diagnostic tests.

Castle Biosciences works with all insurance providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurers, and the VA, to secure payment for the TissueCypher test.

Castle will submit insurance claims on your behalf and provide you with an update on your claim processing status. The company also offers a Patient Assistance Program with the belief that quality care should not depend on financial considerations.

You can get more information about insurance coverage, claims processing and financial assistance by calling 866-788-9007 option #3.

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