Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s Esophagus Cancer Risk: Understanding Dysplasia and Your Next Steps

Understanding Barrett’s esophagus cancer risk starts with dysplasia—and how personalized risk assessment may guide your care.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, often as a result of long-term acid reflux (GERD). Over time, repeated exposure to stomach acid can cause the normal esophageal lining to be replaced with tissue that more closely resembles the lining of the intestine.

Barrett’s esophagus itself does not cause cancer but it is considered a precancerous condition, meaning it can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer in some individuals.

Most people with Barrett’s esophagus will never develop cancer. However, understanding your personal cancer risk—and how that risk is monitored—is an important part of managing the condition.

One of the most important ways doctors assess Barrett’s esophagus cancer risk is by identifying changes called dysplasia.

What Is Dysplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus?

How Barrett’s esophagus can progress from normal tissue to low-grade and high-grade dysplasia, with increasing risk of esophageal cancer.

Factors that influence Barrett’s esophagus cancer risk include:

• Age
• Weight
• Sex
• Presence of a hiatal hernia
• Family history
• Length of the Barrett’s segment

These factors help guide care but they don’t always reflect an individual’s true risk.

Shared-Decision Making Made Easy: Jump Start the Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider.

Are You at Risk for Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) develops from chronic acid reflux (GERD), even in people who don’t experience typical heartburn.

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends considering endoscopic screening (EGD) if you have three or more risk factors, including:

• Long-standing acid reflux
• Age over 50
• Male sex
• White race
• Abdominal obesity
• Smoking history
• Family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer

Already Diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus?

• Barrett’s esophagus is not cancer, but it is a precancerous condition.
• Only about 1 in 40 patients progress to cancer over 5 years. However, if cancer develops, outcomes can be serious.
• The key: understanding your personal risk and managing it early

Not All Barrett’s Esophagus Is the Same

Your pathology results may include:

• Non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus
• Indefinite for dysplasia
• Low-grade dysplasia

Each category carries a different level of risk, which is why personalized assessment matters.

The TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Test is one tool clinicians use to better understand your individual risk of progression and guide next steps.

Start a Shared Decision-Making Conversation

The most important step you can take is to have an informed conversation with your healthcare professional.

Download the Barrett’s Esophagus Discussion Guide

Use this guide to:

• Understand your diagnosis and risk level
• Ask the right questions about monitoring and treatment
• Explore whether additional risk assessment tools are appropriate
• Make confident, informed decisions together with your care team

Bring This Guide to Your Appointment

Print or save the discussion guide and review it with your doctor.
Better conversations lead to better care.

Surveillance: Monitoring Barrett’s Esophagus

All patients with Barrett’s esophagus typically undergo regular upper endoscopy with biopsies.

This helps:

• Detect progression early
• Identify dysplasia
• Guide treatment decisions
• Patients at higher risk are monitored more frequently.

Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus: Endoscopic Eradication Therapy (EET)

Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment for Barrett’s esophagus.

EET typically includes:

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
Removal of abnormal or suspicious tissue during endoscopy

Ablation therapy
Destruction of remaining Barrett’s tissue so healthy tissue can regrow

Benefits of EET:
Helps prevent progression to esophageal cancer
Reduces the need for invasive surgery (esophagectomy)
Provides durable, long-term results