It's Only Heartburn...or Is It? Chronic Heartburn A Risk Factor For Precursor To Esophageal Cancer

If you have or have
ever had chronic heartburn, you may be at risk for Barrett's esophagus, a
serious complication of chronic, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD). Barrett's esophagus has been recognized as a major risk factor for
developing cancer of the esophagus, the seventh deadliest cancer in men in
the United States.



Barrett's esophagus is marked by cellular changes in the lining of the
esophagus, which can progress to low-grade, and then high-grade dysplasia
-- a level that is highly pre-malignant. These abnormal cellular changes
can lead to a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma, the fastest
rising malignancy in the United States, according to the National
Institutes of Health.



The Valley Hospital's Center for Barrett's Esophagus and GERD provides
cutting-edge diagnostic, treatment, management, and research services for
these related conditions. The Center is one of the most comprehensive on
the East Coast and unique to northern New Jersey. The physician team
includes board-certified gastroenterologists and thoracic surgeons.



Diagnostic and treatment methods available at the Center include
endoscopy, medications to reduce acid, minimally invasive surgical
procedures to repair hiatal hernias and to prevent acid reflux,
radiofrequency ablation to destroy abnormal cells, endoscopic mucosal
resection to remove nodules within Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal
cancer surgery.



Robert J. Korst, M.D., Medical Director of The Valley Hospital's Daniel
and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, and Director of Thoracic Surgery, says
he and physicians at the Center for Barrett's Esophagus and GERD must take
a two-prong approach to treating Barrett's esophagus that both destroys the
abnormal lining and stops acid reflux.



"Radiofrequency ablation can get rid of the lining, but if the GERD is
not controlled, those abnormal cells can grow back and put the patient at
risk for cancer once again," he adds.




If Barrett's esophagus progresses into high-grade dysplasia or cancer,
the entire esophagus must be removed. Dr. Korst specializes in the
treatment and research of esophageal cancer and is highly experienced in
using both laparoscopic and traditional surgical methods to remove the
esophagus and construct a new one by stretching the stomach.



Barrett's esophagus is most prevalent in middle aged and elderly
Caucasian men but can affect anyone, even those who do not have obvious
symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.


The Valley Hospital

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