Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Barrett's Esophagus Develop After An Upper Endoscopy?
Question: Hi,
If I had an upper endoscopy 5 years ago and it was fine. Question - would Barrett's esophagus have developed since then? I'm 43 and I have just started having reflux recently and wondering if I should get another endoscopy (first one was for something else).
Thx,
If I had an upper endoscopy 5 years ago and it was fine. Question - would Barrett's esophagus have developed since then? I'm 43 and I have just started having reflux recently and wondering if I should get another endoscopy (first one was for something else).
Thx,
Brief Answer:
It could possibly develop, but another endoscopy is the only way to know for sure...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
Based on what you are describing, I'd suggest to repeat endoscopy to evaluate if esophagitis is present or not.
Barret's does take too long to develop. However, another endoscopy is needed to evaluate your condition at this moment and to start thinking over a treatment strategy.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
It could possibly develop, but another endoscopy is the only way to know for sure...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
Based on what you are describing, I'd suggest to repeat endoscopy to evaluate if esophagitis is present or not.
Barret's does take too long to develop. However, another endoscopy is needed to evaluate your condition at this moment and to start thinking over a treatment strategy.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thx. Is esophagitis the same as Barrett's? Or what is the differences?
Brief Answer:
Barrett's esophagitis-a more severe type of esophagitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for your follow up queries.
Esophagitis is the inflammation of mucosa of the esophagus due to acidic stomach liquid (when GERD is present).
Barrett's esophagitis is a more severe type of esophagitis, where the normal cells lining the esophagus mucosa are being altered to cells similar to intestinal mucosa. It might occur in 10% of patients symptomatic for GERD.
As the cells of the mucosa are being altered, there is an increased risk to develop adenocarcinoma (type of esophageal cancer).
In your case, I think there is only an irritation of esophageal mucosa due to acidic fluid of the stomach. You should continue with healthy diet and lifestyle regimen and start PPIs and antacids after eating (as advised earlier).
All the best!
If no more queries, do not forget to close this discussion!
Dr.Klerida
Barrett's esophagitis-a more severe type of esophagitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for your follow up queries.
Esophagitis is the inflammation of mucosa of the esophagus due to acidic stomach liquid (when GERD is present).
Barrett's esophagitis is a more severe type of esophagitis, where the normal cells lining the esophagus mucosa are being altered to cells similar to intestinal mucosa. It might occur in 10% of patients symptomatic for GERD.
As the cells of the mucosa are being altered, there is an increased risk to develop adenocarcinoma (type of esophageal cancer).
In your case, I think there is only an irritation of esophageal mucosa due to acidic fluid of the stomach. You should continue with healthy diet and lifestyle regimen and start PPIs and antacids after eating (as advised earlier).
All the best!
If no more queries, do not forget to close this discussion!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi, Thx for your help so far.
So I had my endoscopy today and everything seems fine. My esophagus if normal :-)
I did have mild gerd but no signs of Barretts and also had some mild gastric imflamation in my stomach. The Dr that can be caused by many things but said he routinely took two biopsies from the stomach. Also a biopsy from my duodemun which also looked normal.
Is this normal to take biopsies and what are they checking for? I understand that H Pylori is a possibility. Aslo I've had a bit of an upset stomach the past two days, good that explain the gastric imflamation?
Thx again.
XXXX
So I had my endoscopy today and everything seems fine. My esophagus if normal :-)
I did have mild gerd but no signs of Barretts and also had some mild gastric imflamation in my stomach. The Dr that can be caused by many things but said he routinely took two biopsies from the stomach. Also a biopsy from my duodemun which also looked normal.
Is this normal to take biopsies and what are they checking for? I understand that H Pylori is a possibility. Aslo I've had a bit of an upset stomach the past two days, good that explain the gastric imflamation?
Thx again.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Nothing worrisome, routine biopsy test
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for following up.
I am happy to know that your endoscopy resulted fine.
With regard to the material taken for biopsy, it’s included in the endoscopy protocol to take biopsy to evaluate current changes in the stomach and intestinal mucosa.
H.pylori infection should be also ruled out through biopsy.
I think you should not be worried too much. Instead, should concentrate on following healthy diet and lifestyle regimen as advised earlier.
Dr.Klerida
Nothing worrisome, routine biopsy test
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for following up.
I am happy to know that your endoscopy resulted fine.
With regard to the material taken for biopsy, it’s included in the endoscopy protocol to take biopsy to evaluate current changes in the stomach and intestinal mucosa.
H.pylori infection should be also ruled out through biopsy.
I think you should not be worried too much. Instead, should concentrate on following healthy diet and lifestyle regimen as advised earlier.
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thanks for your answer and help. I really appreciate it.
I understand that H Pylori can increase the risk of Gastric Cancer, yet is seems that half the worlds population has it. So should I be worried about that if i test positive for H Pylori?
I understand that H Pylori can increase the risk of Gastric Cancer, yet is seems that half the worlds population has it. So should I be worried about that if i test positive for H Pylori?
Brief Answer:
Don't worry,
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, H pylori infection increases the risk of gastric cancer.
Don’t worry if it comes positive because you only need to take antibiotics for H pylori treatment. It is very successful therapy.
Once eradicated the chance of cancer is as you never had it.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.Klerida
Don't worry,
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, H pylori infection increases the risk of gastric cancer.
Don’t worry if it comes positive because you only need to take antibiotics for H pylori treatment. It is very successful therapy.
Once eradicated the chance of cancer is as you never had it.
Wishing you all the best
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!
One last question - If there were pre-cancer changes what does that mean? Does that mean actual cancer?
One last question - If there were pre-cancer changes what does that mean? Does that mean actual cancer?
Brief Answer:
Precancer does not mean you have cancer,but actions are needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Precancer does not mean that you have cancer. It is more easier to treat it and prevent cancer onset than treating the cancer.
All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Precancer does not mean you have cancer,but actions are needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Precancer does not mean that you have cancer. It is more easier to treat it and prevent cancer onset than treating the cancer.
All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
