Gene Methylation in the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus: Identification of Candidate Diagnostic Markers

Inclusion Criteria: Controls: No endoscopic evidence of Barrett's Esophagus, able to give informed consent, 18 years of age or older. Cases: At least 1 cm of visible columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia on histology confirmed by an expert GI pathologist (on biopsy), able to give informed consent, 18 years of age or older. Exclusion criteria: Controls: Patients with history of esophagectomy or mucosal ablation, gastrectomy, or known non-Barrett's esophageal pathology (e.g. eosinophilic esophagitis or achalasia), varices, esophagitis LA Grade B, C, D will be excluded. Patients with prior history of colon polyps or colon/esophageal/gastric/pancreatic carcinoma (unless had negative colonoscopy within 2 years to clear polyps). Cases: Patients with history of esophagectomy or mucosal ablation, gastrectomy, or known non-Barrett's esophageal pathology (e.g. eosinophilic esophagitis or achalasia), will be excluded. Patients with prior history of colon polyps or colon/gastric/pancreatic carcinoma (unless had negative colonoscopy within 2 years to clear polyps).