What type of cancer can Barrett's esophagus progress to?

Barrett's esophagus is a condition that occurs when the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by a columnar epithelium, often due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This change in the cellular structure is known as intestinal metaplasia and is considered precancerous. The primary concern with Barrett's esophagus is its potential progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is a type of cancer that arises from glandular cells in the esophagus.

This condition is characterized by a higher risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma compared to the general population. The transition involves a series of changes that are classified pathologically. Patients with Barrett's esophagus are usually monitored for dysplasia through periodic endoscopies, as the presence of dysplastic cells further increases the risk of cancer development.

While other types of cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, are associated with the esophagus, they are not directly linked to Barrett’s esophagus. Gastric carcinoma and small cell carcinoma are also unrelated to Barrett's esophagus, as they arise from different tissues and under different pathophysiological circumstances. Therefore, the most relevant and accurate choice regarding the progression of Barrett