Acid reflux is a common condition affecting millions of people. But over a long period of time, pre-cancerous lesions can develop – even turning cancerous in those at high risk. But there is good news, according to Hartford Hospital gastroenterologist Dr. David Chaletsky.
Q: What is acid reflux?
A: When acid from the stomach regurgitates up into the esophagus on a regular basis that is the condition called acid reflux or GERD. It is quite common, and occurs for many reasons. It often results in heartburn. Almost half of patients, though, either have no symptoms or experience atypical issues such as persistent cough, throat clearing, or even chest pain.
Q: What are the treatment options that Hartford Hospital offers to patients with acid reflux?
A. Standard treatment would be medications either over the counter or prescription, as well as diet modification. This essentially neutralizes the acid but doesn’t fix the underlying problem of reflux. For patients with severe issues, there are minimally invasive anti-reflux surgeries that we offer to eliminate the reflux.
Q: For those patients with acid reflux, who is at risk for developing esophageal cancer?
A: Everyone with acid reflux is at risk. That’s why if you do have symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to determine your level of risk and whether you should be screened. Some individuals with a family history of esophageal cancer, long standing reflux symptoms, and certain other risk factors are at higher risk.
Q: How do you screen to detect for possible pre-cancer?
A. The best method is a simple test called an upper endoscopy. It’s a short procedure performed by a gastroenterologist under sedation which looks directly at the lining of the esophagus and can accurately detect the presence or absence of Barrett’s esophagus. That’s a pre-cancerous tissue which – when caught early enough, can be treated in order to prevent progression to cancer.
Q. If a pre-cancerous lesion is detected, what are the treatment options to remove it before it turns into cancer?
A: There is Endoscopic Eradication Therapy (EET). At Hartford Hospital, we navigate our patients through a coordinated, team approach to completely remove the precancerous areas. In some instances we are able to remove the areas that have already turned cancerous. We offer the full array of ablation and endoscopic resection technologies.
Learn more about EET and other advanced treatments for acid reflux and GERD here.
