Oncologist named dangerous consequence of untreated heartburn

Brazilian oncology specialist Renata D'Alpino issued a serious warning: chronic heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux, common conditions for many people, can become catalysts for precancerous changes in esophageal tissues. The doctor shared details about the hidden threat of this widespread ailment in a conversation with journalists from the Terra portal.

As reported by BAKU.WS, medical professionals describe heartburn as an agonizing burning sensation behind the breastbone, which often comes paired with sour or bitter belching. This unpleasant symptom tends to worsen after eating, when attempting to bend forward, or while resting in a horizontal position. As the expert notes, in the vast majority of cases, such sensations indicate the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease - a condition characterized by the systematic backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.

The doctor explained in detail the mechanism of destructive impact: aggressive stomach acid, attacking the mucous membrane of the esophagus, triggers inflammatory processes and damages delicate tissues. If the problem is ignored and reflux goes untreated for years, this can lead to the development of chronic esophagitis and other serious conditions. In some situations, persistent inflammation becomes the trigger for cellular mutations in the mucous membrane.

Medical professionals identify Barrett's esophagus as one of the most alarming complications. With this diagnosis, the inner lining of the lower third of the esophagus undergoes structural changes: the natural squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium. According to Dr. D'Alpino, this condition is inextricably linked to a sharp increase in the likelihood of malignant tumor development - according to statistical data, the risk increases more than 20-fold compared to healthy individuals.

In conclusion, the oncologist emphasized that a cancer diagnosis is not a fatal and inevitable outcome for everyone suffering from heartburn or reflux. Nevertheless, ignoring the body's warning signals is unacceptable: with constant chest burning and accompanying reflux symptoms, it is critically important to visit a specialist and undergo diagnostic testing to minimize the likelihood of dangerous complications.