Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Re: Barrett's Esophagus
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Re: Barrett's Esophagus
by HFHSWMD-mz, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By HFHSWM.D.-mz on February 03, 1998 at 08:46:35:
In Reply to: Barrett's Esophagus posted by Candace on January 29, 1998 at 17:30:40:
: Hi!
I have been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus and as having a hiatal hernia. I pretty much have the acid reflux problem under control due to life style changes, but I am wondering if the cell damage done to my esophagus is reversible. I know this is considered a premalignant condition and would like to know that one day this worry will be gone.
Thank you!
______
Dear Candace,
I assume that your Barretts Esophagus was diagnosed by a test called an endoscopy with biopsy of the esophageal mucosa. Barretts Esophagus is the result of acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in damage to the lining with replacement of the normal lining by an abnormal cell type. You are correct that this is a premalignant condition. Fortunately, few people develop cancer.
It is controversial whether Barretts esophagus can revert to a normal lining (mucosa). Medical or surgical therapy, however, can heal the esophagitis or acute inflammation. Currently patients with Barretts esophagus are screened by endoscopy and biopsy every 2 years tro verify that there has been no evolution towards malignant change opf the mucosa. Therefore, I would advise you to maintain in contact with your physician.
You should also be aware that there are new endoscopic treatments to treat these early premalignant chages. A technique called photodynamic therapy is being investigated to determine its efficiency in the destruction of this abnormal mucosa.
The response in being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution, call 1-800-653-6568 and make an appointment to see Dr. Zonca, one of our experts in the treatment of esophageal disease and Barretts esophagus.
keywords: esophagitis, barretts esophagus, esophageal cancer
HFHSM.D.-mz
0.5.
In Reply to: Barrett's Esophagus posted by Candace on January 29, 1998 at 17:30:40:
: Hi!
I have been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus and as having a hiatal hernia. I pretty much have the acid reflux problem under control due to life style changes, but I am wondering if the cell damage done to my esophagus is reversible. I know this is considered a premalignant condition and would like to know that one day this worry will be gone.
Thank you!
______
Dear Candace,
I assume that your Barretts Esophagus was diagnosed by a test called an endoscopy with biopsy of the esophageal mucosa. Barretts Esophagus is the result of acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in damage to the lining with replacement of the normal lining by an abnormal cell type. You are correct that this is a premalignant condition. Fortunately, few people develop cancer.
It is controversial whether Barretts esophagus can revert to a normal lining (mucosa). Medical or surgical therapy, however, can heal the esophagitis or acute inflammation. Currently patients with Barretts esophagus are screened by endoscopy and biopsy every 2 years tro verify that there has been no evolution towards malignant change opf the mucosa. Therefore, I would advise you to maintain in contact with your physician.
You should also be aware that there are new endoscopic treatments to treat these early premalignant chages. A technique called photodynamic therapy is being investigated to determine its efficiency in the destruction of this abnormal mucosa.
The response in being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution, call 1-800-653-6568 and make an appointment to see Dr. Zonca, one of our experts in the treatment of esophageal disease and Barretts esophagus.
keywords: esophagitis, barretts esophagus, esophageal cancer
HFHSM.D.-mz
0.5.
