Here are the latest reports on Endoscopy – the prevention of esophageal cancer

I write often about the importance of prevention when it comes to protecting your health. routine screening is one of the most effective tools to catch problems at an early stage before they become problems. I recently discussed the colonoscopy, the test can be used to screen for cancers of the colon and rectum. Today I will explain, endoscopy, a process related, prevent cancer, cancer of the esophagus.

What is Endoscopy?

Endoscopyis a procedure by a gastroenterologist, performed usually performed in an outpatient facility. It 'used to examine the esophagus and stomach duodendum (the first part of the small intestine) with a thin, flexible scope (endoscope) with a light at the end. Your doctor may direct through the telescopic sight or view the inside of the body on a monitor.

To perform this procedure, the doctor will be sedated and pain and spray a numbing solution in my throat. Breathing isis not affected and can be unconscious during the procedure. You may have a mild sore throat afterwards, and you'll have a friend or family member you have to go home, because of the sedatives. In addition to these relatively minor incidents, you can resume your normal routine.

Who should be studied?

Although colonoscopy is stronger for men and women aged 50 years and recommended criteria for endoscopy was closer. Endoscopy is most often used for the diagnosis of BarrettEsophagus cancer is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Barrett's esophagus is thought that reflux disease, GERD is caused by gastroesophageal.

If the chronic reflux of gastroesophageal reflux disease (aka known as heartburn) experience, the cells lining the lower esophagus damaged by repeated exposure to acid, which finds its way into this part of the stomach of your body. The change of color and composition of these cells showed Barrett's esophagus. When GERDWork with your doctor to manage the symptoms, the best way to prevent Barrett.

Only about 10% of people with gastroesophageal reflux disease is diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. Although cancer in Barrett's esophagus increases the risk by only a small percentage, planning screenings regular endoscopy is essential for the prevention of cancer. Most Barrett's patients should be every 1-3 years and sometimes are seen every three months for pre-cancerous changes in cellsdetected.

What you can do today!

Now that we have the sense and purpose of the endoscopy uncovered, here are the solutions that you can use today. Depending on your current health, consider the following with your doctor:

1) If you regularly suffer from reflux: Make an appointment with your doctor so that he or she can help eliminate the problem with changes in lifestyle, or refer you to a gastroenterologist, if necessary. There aremany over-the-counter medications you take, and you should eliminate foods high in fat and acidity. I also recommend limiting alcohol consumption immediately. The sooner you can diagnose the earlier you start the prevention of complications such as Barrett's esophagus.

2) If you have GERD: Follow the plan of medical treatment. Since GERD is a risk factor for Barrett's syndrome, ask about the possibility of screening endoscopy. Since Barrett is a relativelyrare diseases, the opinions, if endoscopy is performed. Only your doctor can evaluate your needs.

3) If you have Barrett's esophagus: do not fall behind your ideas. When endoscopy is used to detect changes in abnormal cells, cancer can be prevented.

Remember, the best prevention is to take responsibility for your health!