04/24/2026
Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition that can lead to cancer in the esophagus. According to the American Cancer Society, when the cancer develops, it has a five-year survival rate of 49% when detected at a localized stage and 5% once it has spread to distant parts of the body.
Jeff Williams, a former carpenter and pastor in Greene County, admits he was never one to frequent the doctor. After a heart attack in 2007, he began seeing a primary care physician, who eventually referred him to gastroenterologist Bret Spier, MD, for concerns related to Barrett’s and a noticeable bump in his esophagus.
During their first appointment, Spier further evaluated Williams’ condition. He found high-grade dysplasia, which are abnormal cells that have the potential to be cancerous, but haven’t spread yet to different parts of the body.
“There was no cancer—just Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia,” Spier said. “Once the bump was removed, only flat Barrett’s remained.”
That remaining tissue was treated with radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that burns precancerous cells to prevent their growth. This treatment is typically performed in larger cities and is less common in rural areas.
“We’re very blessed to have Dr. Spier in Bloomington,” Williams said. “Every time I see him, I thank him for what he’s done for me. It could have been so much worse, but he got it. He got everything.”
Read the full story at https://iuhealth.org/thrive/what-is-barretts-esophagus-and-how-can-it-be-prevented-from-becoming-esophageal-cancer.
