This year, more than 22,000 Americans face a chilling diagnosis — esophageal cancer. Men are three to four times more likely to develop it.
The odds? Less than a 20% chance of surviving five years. But what if an early diagnosis could change that?
A new 3-minute in-office test is offering a critical window for early detection.
“The thing about esophageal cancer is that it oftentimes does not have symptoms until very late in the game,” explained Dr. Paul S. Panzarella, a gastroenterologist at the Center for Advanced GI in Maitland.
Traditional diagnosis involves an endoscopy, where patients are put to sleep.
Now, Esoguard offers a simpler alternative. A vitamin-sized capsule, swallowed by the patient, collects cell samples in less than 5 minutes.
“Once it reaches the bottom of the esophagus, I will then inflate the capsule,” Panzarella told Ivanhoe.
A textured balloon swabs the surface of the esophagus, collecting cells.
“It really was easy, and I’m happy because he discovered something there, something different,” said Patricio Ferreira.
The test revealed Ferreira had Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
“The hopes are that we can identify who has the precancerous condition before even getting to esophageal cancer,” said Panzarella.
Ferreira will now be monitored for cancer yearly, giving him peace of mind as he begins a new phase of life… retirement!
So, who should be asking their doctor about the Esoguard test?
Panzarella says he gives his patients a questionnaire, looking for individuals aged 50 and up, of Caucasian ethnicity, male, with obesity, a history of tobacco use, or frequent acid reflux.
If a patient answers “yes” to three or more of these risk factors, they are eligible for the Esoguard procedure.