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Top GI Doc NYC: Barrett’s Esophagus
Date : 2024-05-21
What is Barrett’s esophagus, and why is esophageal cancer screening important?
Barrett’s esophagus is a medical condition that occurs when the cells in your lower esophagus damage from repeated exposure to stomach acid. This condition results in changes in the cells lining your esophagus that can rarely develop into esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus can appear in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although only a tiny percentage of GERD sufferers get Barrett’s esophagus. You should see your gastroenterologist to discuss whether you should undergo screening for Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s Esophagus should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
A gastroenterologist’s diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus raises red flags because it increases the risk of cancer. It is a premalignant condition to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer. In some cases, however, precancerous tissue, called dysplasia, develops. We can treat dysplasia before it becomes cancerous. So if you have Barrett’s esophagus, you need more frequent cancer screenings. You should see your gastroenterologist for a comprehensive treatment plan and to discuss screening.
Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus
If you have Barrett’s esophagus, you may not have any symptoms, or the symptoms you have are related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. These symptoms include dry cough, frequent heartburn, or indigestion. Your gastroenterologist should evaluate your symptoms.
Causes of Barrett’s Esophagus
The most common theory is that Barrett’s esophagus develops after chronic inflammation from GERD. Not everyone who has had GERD gets this condition, and not everyone with Barrett’s esophagus suffers from GERD. Long-term GERD is an indicator, as is cigarette smoking. No one knows for sure what causes the condition since many with Barrett’s esophagus never experienced acid reflux or heartburn issues.
Diagnosing Barrett’s Esophagus
Currently, only trained gastroenterologists like our doctors, using an upper endoscopy for visual confirmation, can make an accurate diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus. Our NYC GI doctors have to be able to see the change in the lining of your esophagus. A definitive diagnosis usually requires a tissue biopsy to confirm the change in the cells lining your esophagus. A biopsy also can determine whether dysplasia cells are present and what stage (high grade or low grade) they are in. Your gastroenterologist will require an accurate diagnosis to come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Treating Barrett’s Esophagus
Treatment for Barrett’s esophagus depends on whether high-grade, low-grade, or no dysplasia is present in the affected cells. While nothing can change the cells back from Barrett’s esophagus or eliminate the cancer risk, we can provide some treatments. Given the higher risk, we recommend chronic acid suppression therapy and regular surveillance to screen for esophageal cancer and dysplasia. There are several different treatments available for the treatment depending on your diagnosis. Since these procedures involve risk and are not effective for everyone, you should discuss these options and others with one of our doctors during your office visit. Your gastroenterologist will work with you to develop an effective treatment and surveillance plan for your condition.
Manhattan Gastroenterology
Union Square
55 W. 17th St, Ste 102,
New York, NY 10011
(212) 378-9983
Web Address https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com/
Union Square Office: https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com/gastroenterologist-union-square/
Our location on the map: https://goo.gl/maps/iyoSymzvWrhou8EG8
Nearby Locations:
Union Square
Gramercy Park | Rose Hill | Kips Bay | Nomad | Murray Hill | Koreatown | West Village
10010 | 10011 | 10016 | 10453 | 10017 | 10014
Working Hours: (Union Square)
Monday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Payment: cash, check, credit cards.
Best GERD Specialists in NYC
Date : 2024-10-03
Our gastroenterology specialists in New York City offer the latest advances in diagnosing and managing GERD and heartburn. There are numerous potential causes of GERD/heartburn, and a thorough evaluation and early diagnosis by your gastroenterologist are critical. Our board-certified doctors offer a thorough consultation and examination to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acidic juices from your stomach splash back into your esophagus (“acid reflux”), irritating the esophageal lining. Heartburn is another name for this burning sensation. For an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other causes, persistent GERD symptoms or new onset of acid reflux symptoms should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a doctor. Persistent heartburn symptoms can progress to Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. This condition is commonly evaluated and treated by our gastroenterologists at our offices.
What Is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive dysfunction affecting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a bundle of muscles between the stomach and the esophagus. Many people have heartburn or acid indigestion as a result of GERD. The tube that connects your mouth to your stomach is known as the esophagus. It has two sphincters, one at the top of your throat and one near your stomach.
Typically, the lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) maintains a strong grip, allowing the one-way flow of food into your stomach. However, if the LES weakens or doesn’t close properly, the digestive enzymes and acid in your stomach can escape back up into your esophagus.
Many people experience acid reflux symptoms after eating certain foods. In these instances, over-the-counter drugs may be effective in temporarily alleviating GERD symptoms such as a burning throat. Your doctor can help diagnose the condition and place you on the correct medication or prescribe lifestyle modifications as needed.
What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?
Heartburn and acid regurgitation are common acid reflux symptoms. Heartburn begins with a burning sensation in the chest. It can occasionally rise into your throat, producing a sour taste and a burning sensation. When you experience this symptom, it’s called acid regurgitation.
Other GERD symptoms include unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, and radiating arm pain. These can be signs of a heart problem, and you should seek immediate medical attention and call 911. More worrisome symptoms include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, and others, which the specialist should immediately evaluate.
A thorough consultation and examination by a physician should be performed to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop an acid reflux treatment plan, as well as to rule out any other conditions. Chronic GERD symptoms can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer and can be diagnosed with an upper endoscopy.
Manhattan Gastroenterology
Union Square
55 W. 17th St, Ste 102,
New York, NY 10011
(212) 378-9983
Web Address https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com/
Union Square Office: https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com/gastroenterologist-union-square/
Our location on the map: https://goo.gl/maps/iyoSymzvWrhou8EG8
Nearby Locations:
Union Square
Gramercy Park | Rose Hill | Kips Bay | Nomad | Murray Hill | Koreatown | West Village
10010 | 10011 | 10016 | 10453 | 10017 | 10014
Working Hours: (Union Square)
Monday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Payment: cash, check, credit cards.
