Adenocarcinoma in the Columnar-Lined (Barrett) Esophagus

Abstract
• As of 1975, forty-nine cases of adenocarcinoma arising in the columnar-lined lower esophagus (CLLE) were reported in the literature. We add three more cases, including the youngest male to our knowledge. All survived esophagogastrectomy and radio-therapy, but each had metastatic disease and a guarded prognosis. Review of the literature revealed a male/female ratio of 3:1 for this disorder with a mean age for men of 53 years, less than that for women, (61 years). Columnar-lined lower esophagus is seen in up to 11% of patients with reflux esophagitis and probably does not regress, once present. Adenocarcinoma later develops in 2.4% to 8.5%. The CLLE is not rare and should be followed up as carefully as any other premalignant lesion. (Arch Surg 112:997-1000, 1977)