Description
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma carries a grave prognosis
and has a rapidly increasing incidence in the developed
world. Barretts Metaplasia is a major risk factor for
oesophageal cancer and likewise has an increasing
incidence. There is no cure for Barretts Metaplasia
and current strategies revolve around screening the
metaplastic mucosa for dysplastic changes at regular
intervals. The finding of high grade dysplasia in a
segment of Barretts holds a high risk for concurrent
adenocarcinoma or the development thereof. Limited
treatment options are proven for treatment of this
although techniques such as radiofrequency ablation
and endomucosal resection are beginning to prove
themselves. The increase in incidence of oesophageal
adenocarcinoma and Barretts metaplasia need further
research to limit the future problems that will be posed.
