Endoscopy 2013; 45(12): 989-991
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1358935
Editorial
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The field effect in Barrett’s esophagus: can we use it for screening and surveillance?

Garry G. S. Farnham
1   Plymouth University Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, United Kingdom
,
Janusz A. Jankowski
1   Plymouth University Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, United Kingdom
2   Centre for Digestive Diseases, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
3   Digestive Diseases Centre, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 November 2013 (online)

Zoom Image

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a relatively uncommon but serious cancer afflicting 5 – 15 /100000 population in the UK, and in which diagnosis at the late rather than the early stage decreases the 5-year survival rates from 90 % to between 10 % and 20 % [1]. Barrett’s esophagus is present as a premalignant lesion in the majority of cases of EAC and although Barrett’s esophagus is a major risk factor, only 2.5 % – 5 % of cases progress to EAC. The increased risk generally initiates a program of endoscopic surveillance that enables early intervention if the disease progresses [2].

Crossref Cited-by logo
Article Citations