Barrett's oesophagus(uk)?

Question

Just Diagnosed,after a Mallory weiss tear,Put on Barrett's surveillance,is this a pre- cancerous or cancerous condition,meds changed to 40mg omeprazole daily,DHC 30mg t.d.s,maxolon,and an anti-depressant called paroxetine 30mg,wasn't depressed.Could this be because i'm heading for bad news? i feel great.I saw my GP,he says this is the GOLD standard.

Answer 1

Hiah, how are you feeling? I hope you are ok.

you are likely to require antacids for life. when you have been diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus, you may be advised to have an endoscopy and biopsy at regular intervals to monitor the condition. This is called 'surveillance'. The biopsy samples aim to detect whether dysplasia has developed, in particular if high-grade dysplasia has developed.

The exact time period between each endoscopy and biopsy sample can vary from case to case. It may be every 2-3 years if there are no dysplasia cells detected. Once dysplasia cells are found, the check may be advised every 3-6 months or so. If high-grade dysplasia develops, you may be offered an operation to remove the oesophagus. However, this is a major operation, with risks. Your specialist will advise on the pros and cons of such a large operation.

Briefly, some doctors argue that most people with Barrett's oesophagus do not develop cancer. Many people would need to have regular endoscopies to detect the very few who develop high-grade dysplasia. In addition, complications are likely to occur in a small number of people who have endoscopy. And even if you develop high-grade dysplasia and have an operation to remove the oesophagus, there is about a 1 in 20 chance that you would die from the operation itself (it is a big operation). So in effect, there is a debate as to the benefit versus the risk of surveillance. Your specialist will advise what is best for your particular circumstances.

Newer treatments being investigated,hope this helps, good luck.