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Liquid Nitrogen Treatment Decreases Precancerous Tissue Among Esophageal Cancer Patients

By Katie Kelley

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 05Feb2009 Word count: 587 Viewed: 236 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

A new treatment method for Barrett's esophagus, which is a "precancerous condition largely caused by acid reflux disease" among patients is being tested at the Loyola University in Maywood, Ill. The treatment, known as cryospray ablation, permanently destroys esophageal precancerous cells and tissues by injecting extremely cold temperatures of liquid nitrogen into the body, according to a Nurse.com news article, which features medical information online for nurses and physicians assistants.

The treatment allegedly causes "the precancerous tissue to eventually slough off and is then replaced with normal, healthy tissue," reported Nurse.com. The treatment uses a catheter attached to an endoscope, which then sprays -270 degree Fahrenheit liquid nitrogen into the esophagus. According to the

What is Liquid Nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen is an "inert, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, noninflammable and extremely cold chemical that makes up the major portion of the atmosphere," according to Harvard College. The health effects of liquid nitrogen are often non-toxic, however asphyxiation can occur if oxygen is decreased and if excessive amounts of nitrogen are inhaled, it can cause the following side effects:

* dizziness

* nausea

* vomiting

* loss of consciousness

* death

Cryospray Ablation Uses

The University of Maryland Medical Center describes cryospray ablation, also cryotherapy ablation as a destruction of "the abnormal lining of the esophagus by exposing cells to extreme cold using liquid nitrogen... Successful cryotherapy ablation will avoid the need for alternative treatments such as surgery."

Those who qualify for this treatment will likely suffer from the following conditions:

* early stage esophageal cancer

* Barrett's esophagus

* severe squamous dysplasia of the esophagus

The procedure has found success in its niche of conditions, but often requires a plethora of pre-procedure steps and may also require additional repeat procedures over the following months to ensure the esophageal lining returns to normal. Most patients will require three to four treatments, which each will span every four to six weeks, according to the UMM.

Developing Esophageal Cancer

The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that "if untreated, Barrett's esophagus could lead to esophageal cancer, the fastest-growing cancer in the United States." Esophageal cancer is a tremendously painful condition, which is responsible for the following side effects on a victim, according to the National Library of Medicine and ACS.

* Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia

* mid-chest pains

* sensation of pressure or burning in body

* weight loss

* hoarseness

* hiccups

* pneumonia

* high blood calcium levels

* black stools caused by bleeding cancerous cells

There are several causes related to the development of esophageal cancer including smoking, heavy alcohol consumption as well at acid reflux damage; however, there is also a newer cause associated with the onset of this condition and that includes the consumption of Fosamax.

Fosamax (sodium alendronate), from Merck and Company, is a prescription only drug used to treat osteoporosis among individuals, particularly post-menopausal women who have suffered from severe bone density loss.

Recently, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a damaging and terrifying study that individuals who had consumed the drug had been found to not only be at risk for developing dead jaw syndrome, also known as osteonecrosis (ONJ), but that approximately 23 individuals had developed esophageal cancer as a result of consuming the drug.

Patients who are currently taking Fosamax or have previously been prescribed the drug may need to contact medical assistance to ensure they are not suffering from any of the Fosamax side effects. Additionally, it may be necessary to construct a Fosamax class action lawsuit in order to retrieve monetary funds as compensation for the potential damages endured by a Fosamax victim.

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