How could acid reflux cause cancer and what are the symptoms to look for?
When acid refluxes into the esophagus, it leaves a damaging mark on the tissue. The reason that acid has such a strong effect on the esophagus and not on the stomach (in which it normally is found) is because the tissue in the esophagus is tenderer than that of the stomach. In theory, it doesn’t need to be any tougher because acid doesn’t belong in the esophagus anyway. Over time, reflux can cause lesions and ulcers to develop, particularly in the lower esophagus. The result is a condition referred to as Barrett’s Esophagus, in which the normal tissue is compositely changed. Cells that are precancerous now begin to take the place of normal tissue cells. When enough time has passed, cancer of the esophagus can form. As with most cancers, they are usually only found through medical testing. Since this type of cancer affects an inner organ, it would be evident through an endoscopy and biopsy. However, if a person has dealt with chronic GERD over many years, he or she may wish to be tested
