The physicians at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, HI, are promoting Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month this April with their treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus. The innovative treatment is among the hospital’s numerous services and procedures. In light of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to learn more about Barrett’s Esophagus and how Kona Community Hospital treats the condition while spreading awareness within the community.

Barrett’s Esophagus Defined

Barrett’s Esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition. It affects the lining of the esophagus via acid reflux, or when stomach acid and enzymes move up into the organ. This occurs because the valve serving as the stomach’s entryway opens too frequently or does not fully close, resulting in the introduction of stomach acid to the esophagus. The continual flooding of the esophagus with stomach acid causes the lining to deteriorate over time and undergo genetic changes.

Treating Barrett’s Esophagus

Doctors at Kona Community Hospital emphasize the importance of routine upper endoscopy with biopsy procedures based on how rapidly the esophagus is undergoing cellular changes. The hospital offers Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) with Barrx™ technology, a state-of-the-art treatment that uses heat energy to destroy damaged esophageal tissue. This non-invasive treatment does not affect healthy tissue and is performed as an outpatient procedure. Follow-up assessments are usually scheduled two to three months after the procedure to check the patient’s progress and determine if additional treatments are necessary.

Kona Community Hospital also features a Heartburn and Reflux Program for the treatment of moderate to severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), chronic acid reflux, and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Raising Awareness

Over three million Americans are currently afflicted with Barrett’s Esophagus, many of whom remain unaware of the condition that makes them 40 times more likely to develop cancer. The earlier the condition is identified and treated, the less likely it is the patient will develop the often-fatal Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month was created in 2009 to educate the public about Barrett’s Esophagus and cancer prevention.

For more on acid reflux, Barrett’s Esophagus, and other health care and services from Kona Community Hospital, visit their website today. You can also like the hospital on Facebook for additional information.