Barrett's esophagus occurs after longstanding reflux of acid into the lower esophagus. The stomach lining actually grows up into the esophagus where it does not belong. Over time this tissue can change gradually into pre-malignant and then actual cancer tissue. For some reason, white males are at significantly higher risk than others for this complication. Physicians, periodically, need to biopsy these areas to be sure they are not showing any tissue change. There are now effective forms of treatment to prevent reflux of acid. Hopefully, they will reduce the risk of cancer as well. Image 1 is a short segment of Barrett's where the red stomach tissue is just beginning to creep into the esophagus. Image 2 shows a significant progression and Image 3 shows extensive long fingers and patches of Barrett's esophagus. At this stage, it is more likely to begin changing to cancer.