Left Untreated Heartburn Riases Cancer Risk, According To New Study

Left Untreated Heartburn Riases Cancer Risk

Researchers warn that one of the risk factors for cancer of the esophagus is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophageal cancer is one of the most common digestive cancers (third order), and its incidence has increased over the past 20 years about 6 times, according to a team from the University of California, Los Angeles. The  high rate of mortality is very high because symptoms that send patients to the doctor appear quite late when the cancer is already in an advanced stage. Another cause of high mortality rate is caused by cases of  quickly metastasized esophageal cancer.

Researchers point out the fact that esophageal cancer may still be prevented by timely treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In gastroesophageal reflux disease, the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly, and the acid from the stomach reaches the esophagus and   damages the esophageal lining at this level. A hiatal hernia or obesity result in  sphincter dysfunction . Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, like heartburn (burning) or acid regurgitation, should be treated in time in order to avoid complications. Treatment of gastroesophageal relux disease is based on antisecretory medication like proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole ) or histamine H2 receptor antagonists (ranitidine). For treatment to be effective, proton pump inhibitors should be administered in the morning.  Antireflux surgery is recommended to patients when the drug therapy has no effect.

Esophageal Reflux Disease

One of the main complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease is Barrett’s esophagus, characterized by the appearance of islands of intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus. Gastroesofagian reflux disease is a risk factor for esophageal cancer in that it can cause Barrett’s esophagus, but it is also an independent risk factor.

Researchers offer several tips for patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Losing weight and food consumption  help relieve acid reflux symptoms. Obesity causes reflux disease due to a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Another tip would be that all patients that  start having heartburn to go see a doctor. Avoiding smoking, fat, caffeine and alcohol help relieve symptoms of heartburn. Also, certain medications such as nitrates or calcium blockers, can cause acid reflux.

One should know that esophageal cancer is divided mainly in epithelial and non-epithelial tumors. Epithelial tumors are squamous cell cancer, adenocarcinoma and esogastric junction adenocarcinoma. It is also important to remember that risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are not identical. For example, smoking and alcohol are major risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma, while the main factors for adenocarcinoma is Barrett’s esophagus, reflux disease and obesity.