Precancerous procedure
Treating Barrett's esophagus and early neoplasia
Barrett's esophagus (BE) happens when the lining of the esophagus changes, often after long-term acid reflux. When those cells show high-grade dysplasia or early esophageal neoplasia, doctors act early to stop it from becoming cancer. Here is how the treatment I've been going through works.
How the treatment works
First the visible abnormal tissue is removed, then ablation clears what remains. The two main ablative methods are radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy.
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1
Endoscopic resection
Using a thin, flexible scope passed through the mouth, the doctor removes visible abnormal areas of the lining. No outside incisions are needed, and the removed tissue is examined to confirm how deep the changes go.
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2
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
After resection, ablative therapy wipes out the residual dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia left behind. RFA uses controlled heat energy delivered through the scope to destroy the thin layer of abnormal cells so healthy lining can grow back.
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3
Cryotherapy
The second main ablative option freezes abnormal tissue to around −190 °C using liquid nitrogen sprayed through the scope. The frozen cells die off and are replaced by healthier tissue over the following weeks.
My treatment so far
Each step is a couple of hours away across the state line, which is why a dependable vehicle matters so much.
Help with the driveDiagnosed with high-grade esophageal dysplasia, a precancerous condition with a high risk of progressing to invasive adenocarcinoma.
Endoscopic resection, radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy.
Second treatment.
Planned surgery to remove the damaged part of the esophagus and attach the remaining portion to the stomach, in Morgantown, WV.
This page shares our experience in everyday words and is not medical advice. Please talk with your own doctor about any health concerns.