Health Problems

The capsule sponge test looks for signs of cells changes in the oesophagus (food pipe). These signs could mean one of a few health problems may be present. This might include Barrett’s oesophagus, dysplasia or oesophageal cancer. 

Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition where the cells lining the oesophagus (food pipe) change to protect the oesophagus from stomach acid. Barrett’s oesophagus sometimes occurs in people who have regular symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. Most people who have Barrett’s oesophagus do not have any symptoms from the condition apart from reflux.  

We are interested in this condition because people with Barrett’s oesophagus are more likely to get a pre-cancerous condition, called dysplasia, or oesophageal cancer although the risks are still very low. About 3 in 100 people with Barrett’s oesophagus get oesophageal cancer over 10-years. 

If Barrett’s is found, patients can have an endoscopy every few years to look for and treat any cell changes before they become cancer. This helps to find any precancer or cancer changes earlier when it is easier to treat.   

Further information can be found on the following websites: 

https://www.heartburncanceruk.org/barretts-oesophagus

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/other-conditions/barretts-oesophagus/about-barrett%27s

Dysplasia is a way to describe early changes to cells which may develop into cancer. In patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus, this can happen when cells continue to grow abnormally. 

There are two grades of Dysplasia depending on how abnormal the cells have become: low grade or high grade. The higher grade of dysplasia, the more likely the cells can develop into oesophageal cancer. If dysplasia is found, you may be offered more frequent endoscopies or some form of treatment. 

Oesophageal cancer is when abnormal cells in the oesophagus (food pipe) grow in an uncontrolled way. Oesophageal cancer is often treatable. But like most cancers, it is easier to treat when caught early. 

For more information on oesophageal cancer please  to the following websites:

 https://www.heartburncanceruk.org/oesophageal-cancer 

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/oesophageal-cancer