BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS AND MANAGEMENT MODALITIES

Abstract

 Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is characterized by the replacement of the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium, a process that represents a premalignant transformation with a well‑established link to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the principal risk factor, while additional contributors include Caucasian ethnicity, age over 50 years, central obesity, tobacco exposure, and a history of peptic strictures or erosive esophagitis. Current guidelines recommend selective screening based on risk stratification rather than population‑wide programs. The diagnosis of BE requires endoscopic visualization of suspected mucosal changes, systematic biopsy sampling, and histopathological confirmation of intestinal metaplasia. In this review, we aim to synthesize contemporary evidence on the epidemiology, molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis, and evolving strategies for screening, advanced detection, and therapeutic eradication of Barrett’s esophagus.