Adenocarcinoma

There has been an enormous increase in the number of patients with Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma, making these conditions the most common reason for esophageal resection at the Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Adenocarcinoma often occurs in the background of Barrett’s esophagus.  This is an acquired condition related to gastroesophageal reflux in the vast majority of patients.  Surveillance programs for Barrett’s esophagus are available at the hospital.

There is a progression of findings from gastroesophageal reflux to esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, to dysplasia of the esophagus to high-grade dysplasia of the esophagus to invasive adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. 

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Esophageal Cancer
Diseases of the Esophagus