| Theme |
Precancerous Conditions and Cancer High-risk Lesions in the Esophagus and the Stomach |
| Title |
Esophagitis, Barrett's Epithelia and Adenocarcinoma |
| Author |
Sachiyo Nomura |
Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduateschool of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Fabio Terabe |
Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduateschool of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Susumu Aikou |
Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduateschool of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Shinya Kodashima |
Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduateschool of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Mitsuhiro Fujishiro |
Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduateschool of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Yasuyuki Seto |
Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduateschool of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] |
Reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus are carcinogenic processes leading to esophageal adenocarcinoma. These diseases are more common in the West than in Japan. The definition of Barrett's esophagus is different in Western cultures than in Japan. However, a simple comparison of the frequency of Barrett's esophagus in different countries is difficult. In Western countries, esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased over the past thirty years of the decrease in gastric cancer incidence. Japan is experiencing an era of decreased gastric cancer rates. There is a possibility we may see an increase in esophageal adenocarcinoma rates in the future.
In mouse models for reflux esophagitis, we observed Barrett's esophagus more frequently in the mice with periodic reflux of gastric acid or duodenal juice. However, the mice with reflux of duodenal juice without gastric acid also developed Barrett's esophagus. Yearly endoscopic examination is recommended for people with esophagogastric reflux. |