Barrett's esophagus often does not progress

I found this statement:

 Progression to cancer is uncommon for any individual patient; studies that follow patients with Barrett's esophagus reveal that only 0.5 percent of patients develop esophageal cancer per year. Furthermore, patients with Barrett's esophagus appear to live approximately as long as people who are free of this condition. Patients often die of other causes before Barrett's esophagus progresses to cancer.

at this link:  http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-barretts-esophagus

I have heard the opposite assumption mentioned multiple times here, so I thought this would be helpful.  I love the last sentence.

 

Its true. But, for me at least, it always comes down to: Do you want a .5% chance of E.C. per year? Do you want to live with that over your head?

I know its a pessimistic way of thinking :) I admit it. But for some reason it is very difficult for me to minimize/rationalize a significant (albeit small) increase chance of mortality just hanging over my head. I think if I were not 28, and instead 60, then I'd be more easygoing about it.

Avg. age of diagnosis is 50, no? So sure, they have 30 years, or a 15% chance, of progression in their lifetime (if they live to 80). I am not even 30, but say I'm 30, that gives me a 25% chance. And it can happen any year, at any time. That aint cooL!

Here is a link to a site that may fit the needs of people interested in articles re the digestive system.  May I kindly suggest if you are interested in research and medical news re gastrointestinal disorders that this would be a good starting point.

http://www.aboutgerd.org/site/news-events/news/medical-news

Sincerely,

Kitt

sunbeam,,,i agree that there has been much to much over reaction and fear to the diagnosis barretts metaplasia

and even low grade barrets dysplasia is not grounds to come apart emotionally

heres a really excellent article which states that even for high grade dysplasia the risk of cancer is less than 10% per patient per year

keep in mind , the next grade below high grade dysplasia, is low grade dysplasia and below that is non-dysplasia, also called metaplasia

barrets metaplasia has a conversion to cancer risk of about half of one percent per yea as stated in a previous comment above. and again in this article

great article

sorry bad kink...lets try this edit
google these search terms an get the study

"NJ Shaheen - 2009 - Cited by 46 - Related articles
Barrett's oesophagus is a metaplastic change of the lining of the oesophagus, such that the normal squamous epithelium is replaced by specialised or intestinalised columnar epithelium."

best wishes
mock turtle

Post Edited (mock turtle) : 8/26/2011 4:11:49 PM (GMT-6)

These articles from three different medical professionals might point you in the right direction:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/05/why-you-should-get-off-prescription-acid-reducing-drugs-asap.aspx

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA400079

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/06/24/heartburn-drugs-side-effects.aspx

http://www.drmercola.com/digestive-health/why-proton-pump-inhibitors-arent-the-answer-to-acid-reflux/

http://doctormurray.com/acid-blocking-drugs-increase-heart-disease-risk/

I have personally opted to stop taking my PPIs for at least 90 days to see if a more natural approach can heal my esophagitis and gastritis, though bear in mind that I'm working closely with a GI doctor and a nutritionist and I'm being closely monitored. I have not made this decision lightly.

It is my personal opinion that PPIs are over-prescribed and that they are not for everyone. I think in some cases they are necessary, but that's for you and your doctor to decide for your specific situation. The key is finding out exactly what is causing your GERD and other symptoms and that can be a real challenge involving tests, exams, and keeping a detailed food journal.