Untreated reflux may raise esophageal cancer risk, expert warns

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
ISTANBUL, Türkiye — Untreated reflux may cause lasting damage to the esophagus and, in some patients, increase the risk of esophageal cancer, a general surgery specialist has warned.

Acıbadem Kartal Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Samet Yardımcı said reflux is one of the most common digestive system disorders, but it is often dismissed by patients as simple heartburn. According to Yardımcı, long-term reflux can lead to chronic inflammation, ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus and cellular changes known as Barrett’s esophagus.

Reflux should not be dismissed as simple heartburn

Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Many people experience it as burning behind the chest, sour fluid coming into the mouth or discomfort after meals.

However, Prof. Dr. Yardımcı warned that reflux should not be treated casually, especially when symptoms continue for a long time.

“Untreated reflux can, over time, cause chronic inflammation and damage in the esophagus. As a result, ulcers and narrowing of the esophagus may occur,” he said.

He added that in some patients, reflux may lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the cells lining the esophagus undergo changes due to long-term acid exposure. These cellular changes can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

For this reason, Yardımcı emphasized that early diagnosis and proper treatment of reflux are highly important.

Uncontrolled use of stomach-protective drugs can be risky

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı also warned against the uncontrolled use of stomach-protective medications.

He said these drugs can be very useful when taken at the dose and for the duration recommended by a physician. However, many patients use them for years without medical supervision whenever they experience stomach-related complaints.

“Stomach-protective drugs are very beneficial when used in the dose and duration recommended by a physician. But many patients take them for years without consulting a doctor,” Yardımcı said.

According to the specialist, indiscriminate long-term use may lead to serious problems, including bone loss, vitamin deficiencies and structural changes in stomach cells.

He stressed that patients should not use these medications as a way to suppress symptoms without identifying the underlying cause.

Hiatal hernia may be an underlying cause

Reflux may develop for several reasons. Obesity, smoking and unhealthy eating habits are among the most common contributing factors.

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı said hiatal hernia, also known as stomach hernia, can also be an important underlying cause in some patients.

In patients with hiatal hernia, the protective mechanism between the stomach and the esophagus may become impaired. This can make it easier for stomach acid to move upward into the esophagus.

Yardımcı noted that the condition may cause more than a burning sensation.

“In some patients, a hiatal hernia disrupts the protective mechanism between the stomach and the esophagus. This can cause not only burning, but also chronic cough, hoarseness, bad breath, waking at night with a feeling of shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing,” he said.

Long-term reflux can damage the esophagus

Untreated reflux can cause permanent injury to the esophagus over time.

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı said people who have persistent stomach complaints should consult a physician rather than relying on medication on their own.

“In some patients, cellular changes may develop in the esophagus due to reflux that continues for years. If treatment is delayed, these cellular changes may lead to the development of esophageal cancer,” he said.

He added that it is wrong for people with constant heartburn to suppress their symptoms with medication without medical evaluation.

Specialists say that long-term symptoms should be assessed with proper clinical examination and, when necessary, diagnostic tests. The goal is to determine whether reflux is mild and manageable with lifestyle measures or whether it has already caused tissue damage.

Warning signs that should not be ignored

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı listed several symptoms that should prompt patients to seek medical attention without delay.

These include long-lasting heartburn, bitter or sour fluid coming into the mouth, chronic cough, hoarseness, bloating after meals, difficulty swallowing and a constant need for stomach-protective medication.

Some symptoms may be mistaken for respiratory or throat problems. Chronic cough, hoarseness, bad breath or waking at night with a feeling of breathlessness may sometimes be related to reflux, especially when stomach acid reaches the upper parts of the digestive tract.

Yardımcı said persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a physician so that complications can be prevented before they become more serious.

Lifestyle changes play an important role

Treatment for reflux often begins with lifestyle changes.

Weight control, avoiding smoking, eating smaller meals, reducing fatty and spicy foods, limiting late-night meals and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can help reduce symptoms in many patients.

However, lifestyle changes may not be enough for everyone. Some patients require medication, and others may need more advanced treatment depending on the severity of the disease and the presence of anatomical problems such as hiatal hernia.

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı emphasized that the right treatment plan should be determined individually after medical evaluation.

Modern reflux surgery can reduce long-term drug use

In some patients, surgical treatment can provide a lasting solution.

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı said many reflux operations today can be performed with the laparoscopic, or closed, surgical method. This approach generally involves smaller incisions and may allow faster recovery compared with open surgery.

He noted that modern reflux surgery can produce successful results in properly selected patients.

“Modern reflux surgery performed with the right patient selection can reduce the long-term need for medication and significantly improve quality of life,” Yardımcı said.

Surgery is not required for every reflux patient. However, it may be considered when symptoms cannot be controlled, medication must be used continuously, hiatal hernia is present, or complications have developed in the esophagus.

Early diagnosis remains critical

Experts emphasize that reflux is a common condition, but it should not be underestimated when symptoms are frequent, severe or persistent.

The main concern is not occasional heartburn after a heavy meal, but ongoing reflux that repeatedly exposes the esophagus to stomach acid. This may lead to inflammation, tissue injury, narrowing, ulcers and, in some patients, pre-cancerous cellular changes.

Prof. Dr. Yardımcı said patients should avoid self-medicating for long periods and should seek medical advice when symptoms continue.

The key message is clear: reflux can be treated successfully, but ignoring it or masking symptoms with uncontrolled medication may allow serious complications to develop.

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