Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the normal cell type that lines the lower part of the esophagus (squamous cells) is replaced by a different cell type (intestinal cells). This process usually results from repetitive damage to the esophageal lining. The most common cause of this is longstanding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the esophagus is exposed to excessive amounts of stomach acid. Interestingly, the intestinal cells of Barrett’s esophagus are more resistant to acid than squamous cells, suggesting that they may be an adaptation to the chronic acid exposure. The problem with this adaptation is that the intestinal cells have a small potential to transform into cancer cells.
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Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. It holds a digestive fluid called bile that’s released into your small intestine. Gallstones are pebble-like pieces of concentrated bile material, typically made up of cholesterol or bilirubin […]
Hemorrhoids can affect your everyday life and make tasks like sitting, moving, or going to the bathroom especially difficult or painful. They may become inflamed and cause pain, itching, or bleeding. Though uncomfortable, hemorrhoids are rarely life-threatening or dangerous. In most cases, hemorrhoids will clear up on their own within a few days. However, if […]
What is Constipation? Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements, typically less than three per week. The stool becomes dry and hard, making the bowel movements painful and difficult to pass. Chronic constipation affects up to 20% of adults and 16% of children in the United States. Many […]
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.