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How Long Does Esophageal Cancer Take To Develop?
Question: I was diagnosed with grade B esophagitis approximately 20 months ago via endoscopy. No malignancy no barretts. prescribed omeprazole. I was a drinker and tobacco chewer. I still chew (trying to quit) but no longer drink alcohol. Symptoms of gerd reasonably controlled by medicine. still have symptoms on and off, especially in times of stress. Met with my GI Doc the other day and he has me freaking out about esophageal cancer. My question is how long does it take for esophageal cancer to develop? months? years? If I was clear in May of 2013? Should I get another endoscopy? if so, how soon? Thank you in advance for your time.
Brief Answer:
Around 5 years of time to develop.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Esophageal cancer takes around 5 years of time to develop.
Commonest symptom of this type of cancer is dysphagia which is difficulty in swallowing of food.
As your symptoms of GERD is well controlled i do not think you are at risk of esophageal cancer.
I would advise you to do yearly upper gastrointestinal endoscopy test.
As your last endoscopy was done in may 2013 i would advise you to repeat an endocopy test now.
Regards
DR DE
Around 5 years of time to develop.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Esophageal cancer takes around 5 years of time to develop.
Commonest symptom of this type of cancer is dysphagia which is difficulty in swallowing of food.
As your symptoms of GERD is well controlled i do not think you are at risk of esophageal cancer.
I would advise you to do yearly upper gastrointestinal endoscopy test.
As your last endoscopy was done in may 2013 i would advise you to repeat an endocopy test now.
Regards
DR DE
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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