Thoracic surgery clinics
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The causal relationship between GERD and esophageal adenocarcinoma, although unclear just a few decades ago, now is established fairly well. The physiologic changes and the biocellular alterations of the damaged esophageal mucosa are documented better. Despite this knowledge, the dramatic increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer cannot be explained. ⋯ During regular endoscopic follow-up, multilevel circumferential biopsies should document the evolution of the histologic changes in the lower esophagus and at the gastroesophageal junction of these patients. It is the only method available to document the appearance of dysplasia. It still is unclear if medicine or surgery provides the best quality of life and the best protection against the development of dysplasia and the possible progression toward adenocarcinoma formation when intestinal metaplasia is present in the esophagus.