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A New Simple Test to Check Risk in Barrett’s Oesophagus

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A New Simple Test to Check Risk in Barrett’s Oesophagus

People with Barrett’s oesophagus often need regular endoscopies to check for cancer. An endoscopy is a tube test that looks inside the food pipe. These tests can be uncomfortable and are not always needed for everyone. A new study from the UK tested a different way of checking risk using a capsule sponge test.

The capsule sponge is easy to swallow. It collects cells from the oesophagus. These cells are then checked in a lab for certain signs, called biomarkers. Based on these results, patients are put into three groups:

Low risk: very unlikely to develop cancer
Moderate risk: some signs suggest higher risk
High risk: strong warning signs that cancer may develop

The study followed over 900 patients. More than half were placed in the low-risk group. Only 0.4% of people in this group developed serious changes. This means most of them did not need an endoscopy. The high-risk group had a much higher chance of developing cancer, so they were quickly referred for treatment.

This new method could save many people from unnecessary endoscopies. It also makes sure that those at the highest risk are seen faster. For patients, this means less worry, fewer hospital visits, and more focus on the people who need urgent care.

The capsule sponge test may become a safer and easier way to check Barrett’s oesophagus in the future.

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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in India
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