Could GERD symptoms indicate a risk of esophageal cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been dealing with this gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for a while now, but recently I read some blog posts that scared me. It talked about how GERD can lead to esophagus cancer if it is not treated properly. Now I am really worried about how bad mine might be. I get heartburn almost daily, like this burning pain in my chest and sometimes up my throat. I have also been coughing more lately, especially at night, and I even felt like food got stuck in my chest a couple of times. Is that a sign, it is getting worse? Do I need to see a specialist or get any tests done urgently? Please help me figure out what to do next, this has been bothering me so much.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can indeed be a worrying condition when symptoms persist. However, while it is true that untreated GERD can lead to complications like esophageal cancer (esophageal adenocarcinoma), most people with GERD do not develop cancer.

I advise you to do the following. These include:

Monitor Your Symptoms:

The symptoms you described like daily heartburn, coughing, feeling like food gets stuck in your chest can indicate that your GERD is not well-managed. These symptoms may suggest that the acid reflux is more severe and could potentially lead to complications over time.

Consult a Healthcare Provider:

Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to see a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation which may include:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): A procedure where a small camera is used to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. This can help diagnose any damage to the esophagus (like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus) and rule out more serious conditions.

Ambulatory pH monitoring: A test to measure the amount of acid in the esophagus over 24 to 48 hours. This can confirm GERD and help assess its severity.

Barium swallow: Another imaging test that may help visualize the esophagus and stomach to detect any abnormalities.

Based on your symptoms and the results of any tests, your doctor may adjust your GERD treatment. This might involve changing your current medications (like switching from an H2 blocker to a stronger proton pump inhibitor (PPI)), increasing the dose, or trying a different class of medication. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications, weight loss, and elevating the head of your bed while sleeping, to help manage your symptoms more effectively.

Addressing complications early:

While the risk of esophageal cancer from GERD is relatively low, early detection of complications like Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition) is important. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer from GERD.

I understand this is worrying, but consulting a specialist can provide a clearer picture of your condition and help manage it more effectively. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice sooner rather than later if your symptoms are worsening.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.