Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer: An overview

  • Authors:
    • Vincenza Conteduca
    • Domenico Sansonno
    • Giuseppe Ingravallo
    • Stefania Marangi
    • Sabino Russi
    • Gianfranco Lauletta
    • Franco Dammacco
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: May 17, 2012     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2012.1481
  • Pages: 414-424
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Abstract

Although esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most common cancer in several European countries, it is one of deadliest worldwide. The most frequent predisposing factor implicated in its development is Barrett's esophagus (BE), an acquired metaplastic transformation of the esophageal lining cells from normal squamous epithelium into specialised or intestinal-like columnar epithelium. The major risk factor for BE is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although BE is in itself a benign and often asymptomatic disorder, its clinical importance stems from the recognition that it represents the main precursor lesion for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC), a tumor that is rapidly increasing especially in developed countries and is associated with a low survival rate. This paper provides an overview of the epidemiology and natural history of BE as well as of the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development of BE and its progressive transition to AC. New diagnostic tests are described, recommendations for screening and surveillance are provided and surgical and ablative procedures to treat dysplastic lesions and early neoplasia are discussed. Claimed chemopreventive agents and biomarkers that in the near future may help identify people with a higher risk of EC are also considered.
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August 2012
Volume 41 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
Online ISSN:1791-2423

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Spandidos Publications style
Conteduca V, Sansonno D, Ingravallo G, Marangi S, Russi S, Lauletta G and Dammacco F: Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer: An overview. Int J Oncol 41: 414-424, 2012.
APA
Conteduca, V., Sansonno, D., Ingravallo, G., Marangi, S., Russi, S., Lauletta, G., & Dammacco, F. (2012). Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer: An overview. International Journal of Oncology, 41, 414-424. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2012.1481
MLA
Conteduca, V., Sansonno, D., Ingravallo, G., Marangi, S., Russi, S., Lauletta, G., Dammacco, F."Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer: An overview". International Journal of Oncology 41.2 (2012): 414-424.
Chicago
Conteduca, V., Sansonno, D., Ingravallo, G., Marangi, S., Russi, S., Lauletta, G., Dammacco, F."Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer: An overview". International Journal of Oncology 41, no. 2 (2012): 414-424. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2012.1481