Chicago-Area Barrett’s Esophagus Diagnosis and Treatment Program

Esophageal cancer is a growing concern in Illinois and Wisconsin, which have higher diagnosis rates compared to the rest of the nation. But in many instances, esophageal cancer may be prevented by identifying and managing Barrett’s esophagus — a precancerous condition that significantly increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. 

The Barrett’s esophagus program at City of Hope^® Cancer Center Chicago provides patients in Illinois, Wisconsin and beyond with expert care and innovative treatment options.

In most cases, Barrett’s esophagus occurs in people who have chronic acid reflux disease. It is caused when long-term exposure to stomach acid damages the cells in the esophagus, preventing them from healing normally. Our expert Barrett’s esophagus team at City of Hope Chicago specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing this precancerous condition.

Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed after a tissue sample is obtained through an endoscopy. The tissue is then reviewed in a laboratory under a microscope by a trained physician. 

In most instances, Barrett’s esophagus can be managed by lifestyle modifications. Our gastroenterologists and supportive care team members will work with you to create an individualized treatment, lifestyle modification and ongoing surveillance plan to help you manage the condition and reduce your risk for developing esophageal cancer. 

In other instances, endoscopic procedures may be recommended to treat Barrett’s esophagus.

At City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago, our team is recognized by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Endoscopy Unite Program for providing safe, high-quality and patient-centered endoscopy care. Additionally, we leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify Barrett’s esophagus at an early stage. We were the first adopter in Lake County, Illinois, to use WATS3D technology, which allows for more accurate detection and diagnosis of the condition. 

If you have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus or your doctor has recommended that you get screened for the disease, our team of specialists can help. Barrett’s esophagus patients at City of Hope Chicago have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, as well as a person-centered approach to care, including:

• Lifestyle counseling to help manage the condition through dietary and health choices
• Endoscopic mucosal resection, a minimally invasive procedure to remove precancerous cells
• Radiofrequency ablation, which uses extremely high temperatures to destroy precancerous cells
• Cryotherapy, which uses extremely low temperatures to destroy precancerous cells
• Surgical procedures and medications to manage the condition

The Barrett’s esophagus program at City of Hope Chicago is one of the only dedicated programs of its kind in the country. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is personalized, effective and safe. Meet our Barrett’s esophagus team:

Making an appointment with our Barrett’s esophagus treatment team takes a simple phone call. We’re available 24/7 to help handle the details, from insurance verification and medical records collection to appointment scheduling and arrangements for travel and lodging.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus and you would like to discuss treatment options and cancer screening, call us at (877) 524-4673.