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) Northeast Ohio Health and Medical Consumer News
But about 10 percent of those who suffer from acid reflux will develop a precancerous condition known as Barrett's esophagus. In turn, about one in 200 of those cases will develop into a type of esophageal cancer that's one of the deadliest cancers to treat. And while those numbers may seem low, the rate of adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer is climbing at such a high rate that new attention is being paid to the cause and treatments for Barrett's and esophageal cancer.The esophagus is a long tube from the pharynx that contracts to help move food into the stomach. People with Barrett's have a damaged esophagus lining and a loosening of the esophageal sphincter, which helps keep food down.
White men over 50, with a history of chronic heartburn, have the highest risk for Barrett's. More>>
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) Rare disease often gets misdiagnosed
Our mother, Pat Griffin, became part of this percentage, being first misdiagnosed with acid reflux. The treatment only delayed her true diagnosis.Two months ago, she started experiencing abdominal pain and unusual swelling in her side. Tests revealed that she actually had a tumor.
Unfortunately, even the type of tumor was misdiagnosed as colon cancer. It was not until her surgery that doctors finally discovered she was suffering from a very rare neuroendocrine tumor.
After surgery, her condition quickly worsened, and the late diagnosis prevented her from receiving the treatment she actually needed.
Abdominal pain, flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, skin rash, heartburn, fatigue, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, and weight changes are the most prevalent symptoms of carcinoid/NETs. More>>
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) Glaxo venture arm lifts Addex stake to 5 percent
Addex reported promising results with its lead drug for treating acid reflux and migraine in September, potentially paving the way for a partnering deal with a big drugmaker.Addex already has two partnering deals with Merck & Co (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. A third agreement, with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), focuses on developing drugs to treat anxiety and schizophrenia. (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by David Holmes)
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) Abilene Christian quarterback’s heart wouldn’t let him quit
A stress test showed the abnormality after Malone complained of severe acid reflux.Tulane wouldn’t medically clear him, so he spent another year there as just a student. He transferred to Texas A&M-Commerce and was cleared by doctors at Medical City in Dallas.
"They acted like I had a bad heart," Malone said of Tulane’s doctors. "I still thought I was done. As far as football, I was floating in the wind."
A&M-Commerce coaches stood outside his classes to recruit him, but the pitch didn’t sell.
Dan Gonzalez, a former high school assistant coach of Malone’s, then an assistant to Chris Thomsen at ACU, called the quarterback in late 2004.
"I told him, 'I’m just going to stay here,’ " Malone said. More>>