University of North Carolina (UNC) Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer Biorepository

Aim 1: To develop a prospective tissue and blood biorepository from patients with a history of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) or esophageal cancer (ECA) presenting to UNC hospitals for routine care upper endoscopy for their condition. Aim 2: To collect clinical data from patients with a history of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) or esophageal cancer (ECA) that includes demographic data, endoscopic procedure data, and pathology data. Aim 3: To integrate Aim 1 and 2 in a manner that will provide an efficient bi-directional flow of clinical information and specimens between laboratory and clinical scientists in order to foster innovative translational research. Aim 4: To create a biorepository for future Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved studies that have tissue and/or blood specimen component.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female aged 18 and older. * Able to read, comprehend, and complete the informed consent form. * Presenting to UNC hospitals for routine care upper endoscopy for their condition. * Meet one of the following: 1. Current or previous diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) with or without dysplasia OR 2. Current or previous diagnosis of esophageal cancer (including esophageal adenocarcinoma, intramucosal carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) * Willing to undergo biopsy and blood collection for research purposes. Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to read or understand English. * Current incarceration. * Current use of blood thinners such as coumadin, warfarin, clopidogrel, heparin and/or low molecular weight heparin (requires discontinuation of medication 5 days prior to and 6 days after esophagogastroduodenoscopy \[EGD\] and/or ensuring blood thinners have been stopped within an appropriate time frame for that specific agent and in accordance with standard clinical practice). * Known bleeding disorder.