Questionable Barretts Esophagus

[yashmakca8]

This is a two part question:  I have had chronic GERD for several years now and have tried losec, prevacid and am currently taking pariet 40mg daily.  I have had two endoscopies in four years.  First part of my question is:  My doctor(who is a gastroenterologist had diagnosed me three years ago as having a hiatus hernia, now she has diagnosed me as having barretts, although the pathology report says that the biopsies cannot make a morphologic diagnosis of barrett's therefore.  She says that barretts is a visual condition, although from anything I have researched that is not so.  This doctor is a great doctor and has the credentials to prove it.  How can she diagnose me as having barretts with pathology report conflicting?

Also if barretts is the diagnosis, my concern is what are the chances of this further leading to esophageal cancer?  I am a 44 year old woman with two young children.  I want to live for many years yet to come.  I am going to see another gastroenterologist, but that won't be for about another year, in the meantime I am worried.

Please be so kind as to advise.

Thank you for your time and expertise.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Barrett's esophagus sometimes can be difficult to diagnose.  If the pathology results are not conclusive, another opinion can be sought.  You can also consider a second GI opinion as well.  

If Barrett's is present, then yes, there is an increased risk of esophageal cancer.  

Depending on the severity of Barrett's, treatment can range from more intensive endoscopic surveillance to surgical options (i.e. removing the esophagus).  

These options can be discussed with your GI physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[celine149]

Your Doctor is wrong! barrett's absolutely can only be diagnosed by biopsy. You can send your slides to another hopsital (such as John Hopkins) for a second opinion. But, since your slides already were read as not Barrett's they will most likely show the same there. Many times Drs. can think they see barrett's on EGD and then the biospy comes back clean. If that happens then there is no barrett's. Pathologist must identify goblet cells and other things to be certain of a barrett's diagnosis. Inflammation can look like barrett's on EGD. I dont think your doc knows what he/she is talking about. You need a second opinion.

[yashmakca8]

Thank you for your response.  That is what I have been told by others as well, but I am acting and treating myself as if I have barretts.

[abdula]

get ur healt at http://behealthyforum.com/

[savannahcharles]

My Barrets was found in the mid 90's...went to a large Cancer Hospital...wanted to remove my Esph....but I found a dr out of state who was doing an "investigational study" using a Yag Laser...I went to him and the Barrets was removed...not the Esph...I go to the local dr. who first found the Barrets(before current treatments were available)....find a dr. who knows LOTS about Barrets and deals with it daily. I go have my Esph. looked at every six to twelve months now...and when Barrets(even the smallest) is found and even if it is NOT ESPH.CANCER the Barrets is removed....YOU have to demand very "aggresive treatment" of the Barrets...and not allow a Dr. to tell you to "wait and watch" it.....if Barrets is found...there are treatments now that will get rid of it and NOT allow it to possiblily become Cancer....
Take it from someone who has been there and back....unless you find an
"aggressive doctor" you will remain scared and be cheated out of the peace of mind a really good doctor with knowledge of the latest treatment options can provide you.....this "wait and watch" is ****....if Barrets is found...GET RID OF IT....NOW!!!!!  What is the virtue of waiting???? NONE!!!
and the current treatments...which can be as simple as burning out the Barrets can eliminate the worry you will have with the "wait and watch" attitude.
Bet if the doctor found out he had Barrets he would NOT "wait and watch"!!!
It is much too easy in the year 2007 to treat and eliminate it....if I have repeated myself.....I did it ON purpose....loose the "wait and watch" doctor...
and find one who can again I must say offer you "peace of mind"...

[julieions]

very good information and very helpfull how does one ask a question

[alphatwin]

I'm so glad I checked these postings and found yours. How did you remove the Barrett's? In researching online,  I've found several ways to do it. I agree with you. Why wait around and let those cells morph into cancer? I was told to have another endoscopy in one year.  I would appreciate whatever sage advice you can send my way. Good going on the aggressive approach!

brenda
rhinebeck, ny

[gizmoshamus]

A related discussion, Barretts was started.

[dachsie54]

A related discussion, I need some peace of mind was started.