Barrett's oesophagus
This is a condition whereby the lining of the gullet (oesophagus) changes its appearance in response to long-standing acid-induced damage. This protective change (called metaplasia) is unfortunately associated with a slight increase in the risk of developing cancer and is therefore called a pre-malignant condition. It is important to realise however that the vast majority of patients with Barrett's oesophagus die with it (ie from an unrelated condition) and not from it.
The British Society of Gastroenterology (www.bsg.org.uk) recommends that patients with Barrett's oesophagus consider entering a surveillance programme to undergo upper gi endoscopy every 2 years or so to inspect and sample the Barrett's metaplasia to look for pre-malignant changes called dysplasia. If this is found treatment with advanced endoscopy (to destroy the dysplastic cells) or even surgery may be required.