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Medical Author:

Robert J Fingerote, MD, MSc, BSc

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Prevention

• Reducing use of tobacco and alcohol can reduce the frequency of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. At least 90% of cases of this cancer in North America may be attributable to alcohol and tobacco.



• Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is a frequent complication in Barrett's esophagus, which may be found in up to 20% of people with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  
  
  • People with frequent symptoms of reflux (heartburn or regurgitation) should undergo screening with endoscopy.
  
  
  
  • People with Barrett's esophagus should have regular endoscopic tests to detect precancerous changes of the esophageal lining.
  
  
  
  • They also require tight control of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, which may include dietary and lifestyle changes as well as medications and possible surgery, to prevent progression of Barrett;s esophagus.