Precancer

I think the terminology Pre Barret's is misused in that having Barrett's can be precancer. I've been told (and grant it I'm an RN not a nurse) that everyone that develops esophageal cancer has probably had Barrett's but everyone with Barretts does not develop cancer. Similar to colon cancer. The majority of colon cancers start as polyps but not every person with polpys develop cancer.
   I was told for a long time that I was pre Barrett's but it was explained later to me that I do have Barrett's I just don't have cancer as of yet and hopefully never. I take my inhibitors but am horrible with maintaining my diet etc. I do have bad GERD but it's getting better since I've been faithfully taking my medications.
   Another side effect of this Barrett's is apparently esophageal spasms which can make you feel like your having a heart attack including the left sided arm and jaw pain. Three heart caths later and we pretty much have determined it's definitely just esophageal spasms exacerbated by my Barrett's.


This discussion is related to Pre -Barrett's esophagus, how worried should I be?.