Clinical profile in Barrett's esophagus: Who should be screened for cancer?

Abstract

A retrospective survey identified 96 patients (58 males) with Barrett'ssesophagus, diagnosed at the Royal Melbourne Hospital between 1978 and 1986. The age at presentation varied from 20 to 93 years, and 43% were > 70 years. Hearhburn was a presenting symptom in 71%, regurgitation into the pharynx in 54%, dysphagia in 31% and hematemesis or melena in 29%. At endoscopy, the length of Barrett's epithelium ranged from 3 cm to 15 cm. Macroscopic esophagitis was observed in 69%, benign esophageal strictures in 14% and a co-existent adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus in 10% of patients. Only 30% of the patients were cigarette smokers at the time of diagnosis, but 64% drank alcohol (9% > 80 g al..