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Barrett’s Esophagus: Pathogenesis and Prevention

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Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction

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Abstract

This chapter outlines the pathogenesis of Barrett’s esophagus and its prevention.

The development of Barrett’s esophagus involves metaplasia of the normal squamous esophageal epithelium to mucus-secreting columnar epithelium. It has been proposed to represent a two-step process, whereby the initial transformation from squamous to columnar mucosa occurs relatively quickly, over a few years, while the second step, which involves the development of goblet cells, which are indicative of intestinal metaplasia, occurs relatively slowly – over 5–10 years. The etiological factors proposed include a variety of genetic, environmental, and pharmacological factors. There are several studies which have suggested that there are a number of putative mutations and genome abnormalities implicated, which are covered in this chapter.

The precise mechanisms and risk factors for the development of Barrett’s esophagus are not entirely understood. We covered the current theories on lifestyle and pharmacological and surgical strategies aimed at reducing or preventing the progression of Barrett’s metaplasia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, West Midlands, CV2 2DX, UK

    Janusz Jankowski, Amritpal Dhaliwal & Michael McFarlane

Authors
  1. Janusz Jankowski
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  2. Amritpal Dhaliwal
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  3. Michael McFarlane
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Janusz Jankowski .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Upper Gastrointestinal and General Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Simone Giacopuzzi

  2. Upper Gastrointestinal and General Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Andrea Zanoni

  3. Upper Gastrointestinal and General Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Giovanni de Manzoni

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Jankowski, J., Dhaliwal, A., McFarlane, M. (2017). Barrett’s Esophagus: Pathogenesis and Prevention. In: Giacopuzzi, S., Zanoni, A., de Manzoni, G. (eds) Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28776-8_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28776-8_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-28774-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-28776-8

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