Dysplasia
Sometimes the cells of Barrett’s Oesophagus can become more abnormal. Cells that begin to show abnormal changes may gradually be developing a condition called dysplasia. This is why many people with Barrett’s oesophagus have regular monitoring. Dysplasia is often divided into 2 grades based on how abnormal the cells appear under the microscope: low-grade and high-grade. Your doctors will carry out tests to determine the grade of the dysplasia.
low grade dysplasia – this means the cells are slightly abnormal
high grade dysplasia – this means the cells are more abnormal.
People who have Barrett’s Oesophagus with dysplasia have a small increase in their risk of Oesophageal cancer, but most do not go on to get Oesophageal Cancer.
In some cases the dysplasia can develop further a small number of people (less than 1%) with Barrett’s Oesophagus go on to develop Oesophageal Cancer.