May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Acid Reflux Barrett's esophagus treatment and follow-up
Barrett's esophagus treatment and follow-up |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: My father was recently diagnose with Barret's esophagus. The biopsy showed this result: clinical diagnosis: barrett's esophagus specimen submitted: esophageal tissues histopathologic diagnosis: esophagus, EGD with Biopsy CONSISTENT WITH BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS GROSS DESCRIPTION: the specimen consists of whitish irrregular tissue fragments measuring 0.7 x 0.5 x 0.1 cm in aggregate dimension. the entire specimen is taken for study ( 1 block ). MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: section showed mostly fragments of non-keratinizing stratifeid squamous epithelium with focal basal cell hyperplasia blending with a short segment of gastric mucosa-lined tissues with lamina proprial infiltrates of of lymphocytes and plasma cell with rare eosinophils. Does this mean he has cancer? He is quite devastated with the disease. The doctor prescribed Protonix Bid. Is that enough to treat his disease? Is it best to take the medicine before or after he eats? He will have another endoscopy 3 months from now. I hope he doesn't have cancer. I will appreciate your favorable reply, suggestions and recommendations. Dear Donna: Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition where there is a change in the type of cell lining the oesophagus due to chronic reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus. There is a recognized risk that this change in cell type can eventually result in a malignant transformation within one of the cells, resulting in oesophageal cancer. The aims of treatment are; to reduce gastro-oesophageal reflux; early recognition of malignant change in the oesophageal cells, with regular endoscopy follow-up; and early removal of any abnormal cells by endoscopic ablation. Conventional-dose proton pump inhibition (e.g with Protonix) reduces, but does not eliminate, gastric acid secretion in most patients with Barrett's esophagus, which improves symptoms of reflux. This diagnosis does not mean that your father has cancer, just that there may be an increased risk of developing cancer or malignant change in the oesophagus in future and therefore he requires regular follow-up with endoscopy. Your father may take this tablet either with or without food; there is no difference in absorption. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 November 2010 ) |
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