NCIt definition : Esophageal lesion lined with columnar metaplastic epithelium which is flat or villiform.
Barrett epithelium is characterized by two different types of cells: goblet cells
and columnar cells. The symptomatology of Barrett esophagus is that of gastro-esophageal
reflux. It is the precursor of most esophageal adenocarcinomas. (WHO);
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A condition in which the cells lining the lower part of the esophagus have
changed or been replaced with abnormal cells that could lead to cancer of the esophagus.
The backing up of stomach contents (reflux) may irritate the esophagus and, over time,
cause Barrett's esophagus.;