Final answer:
Barrett's Esophagus involves a cellular-level change in the esophagus lining, where the normal protective squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium and goblet cells, often due to chronic acid reflux. This condition raises the risk of developing esophageal cancer, thus requiring regular medical surveillance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Barrett's Esophagus is a condition characterized by an alteration in the cell composition of the esophagus at a cellular level, specifically in its lining. Normally, the mucosa of the esophagus is made up of non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium, which is adept at protecting against mechanical erosion from food particles. In Barrett's Esophagus, this normal squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium, similar to that which lines the intestine, and can include goblet cells that secrete mucus. This change, called metaplasia, usually occurs in the distal esophagus and is thought to be a response to chronic irritation due to acid reflux from the stomach, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The significance of this cellular-level change lies in its potential to develop into dysplasia and eventually, esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is a type of cancer. Regular surveillance for those diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus is recommended because of the cancer risk associated with the condition. The columnar epithelium that replaces the normal squamous cells may not perform the protective functions as effectively, leading to a compromised barrier against the caustic stomach contents during reflux episodes.