Authors:
Douglas G. Adler, MD, FASGE
Article First Paragraph:
The modern era has seen an explosive increase in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma, most cases of which are believed to be related to an antecedent history of Barrett's esophagus (BE). As of this writing, screening of the general population for the presence of BE is not advocated, although it is believed that BE is present in a significant portion of the population at any given time. Arguments in favor of routine screening of the general population for BE include its strong association with GERD, which is known to be clinically widespread, and its treatability with radiofrequency ablation. Arguments against screening the general population include the significant costs of such a program, especially for those who require surveillance examinations once BE is found, and the fact that most patients who have BE will never develop esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Source:
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; Volume 75, Issue 5, Pages 962-964, May 2012