Hello everyone. I had my first endoscopy after having what appeared to be hiatus hernia symptoms. I had no sedation and couldn't tolerate the procedure and apparently a 'lump' was found. I was prescribed omperazole and told they will do another endoscopy in 4 weeks under sedation to do a biopsy. Naturally I am beside myself with worry. I was so stressed from the procedure I didn't ask any questions I just wanted to get out of there. I have googled loads and can't get to see my GP until Wednesday...can anyone shed any light on the 'lump' are they always cancerous? I should say I'm 50 female and suffer from Rhematoid arthritis and put down my stomach problems to the medication I'm on.
I have read lots on here already but am so confused and worried.
Thanks
Sharon
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Shazz10
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Only biopsy tissue tested in the lab can confirm the outcome, whatever it may be.
Typically HH and endoscopy results in the clear colour photographs of the junction and concerned areas. And if this was successfully done you would have got the print out of the same. If not you can ask GP to check the database for any information regarding the endoscopy.
Even the biopsy results might take 10 to 15 days nor.ally to come back to your consultant, varies with each NHS hospital.
There is no point worrying too much at this point. Stay calm and wait for the results of the biopsy. Good luck
All of us on this forum know just how you feel. When they ask for a biopsy you know something is wrong. All you can do is be strong and go with the flow. Eight months after my Ivor Lewis op I am fit, well and enjoying life. My life has changed forever but you soon get used to the changes, keep a positive attitude, ask the doctors loads of questions and take every day as it comes. My Great Aunt, when asked what concerned her most in life at the age of 100 said "The things I worried about most never happened the unexpected happened so quickly that I never had time to be worried about it" Trust the doctors, good luck, hope all goes well.
When I was first diagnosed my endoscopy result was so obviously cancerous that I was told there and then by the Consultant. My sister in law has just had an endoscopy for serious reflux issues and her blockage is likely just inflammation although they did take a biopsy. Good luck and hope it’s treatable with your omeprazole. Regards Tanktank
Sharon, Obviously nobody can answer your question about "... are they always cancer?" all I can tell you is that in my case. They took samples during my initial endoscopy and more or less hinted their suspicions that day I had it, but I went back a week later for confirmation results. That was in January. If it helps I'm now recovering really well and have been back at work since August. I won't lie, It's been a crappy year and I wouldn't wish this on anyone , but I'm optimistic.
No, lumps are not always cancerous, but they always need investigation. The other thing is that if they had been really suspicious about it, they may well have whisked you in again much more urgently, or given you sedation there and then. A hiatus hernia will often lead to a lot of acid coming up into the oesophagus, and this can cause inflammation and all sorts of reactions.
Having a sedative does make things a lot easier and more comfortable (or less uncomfortable).
The Omeprazole may well reduce any acid reflux damage in the mean time.
It is a wait for the next endoscopy but it sounds like the hospital have done the right thing, even though you will not be able to prevent yourself from worrying.
Hi, I too had my first endoscopy without sedation. Worst mistake. They found a cancer tumour and started taking biopsies WITHOUT sedation. I just had my second WITH sedation. I can tell you it wasn't half as bad. Sedation is the key. Good luck.
I can only give you my experience but when my tumour was found. My surgeon was immediately convinced it was cancer and told me within 5 mins. So the fact they are asking to have another look seems promising. My guy told me categorically that mine was cancer without the need for a second endoscopy. Hope that helps. Good luck x
Thank you everyone for your replies. Your positivity and good luck wishes are really helpful. I suppose I have to accept that I need to know what the lump is so that means another endoscopy and I'm not going to know anything for sure until then. I am just so annoyed that I didn't ask questions at the time...i was so distraught at the experience, having no idea it would be that bad I was so embarrassed and emotional. It is and will be torture waiting as I'm sure you all know. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
It is pretty barbaric and I was shocked how awful it was. But definitely have the sedation. They make sure there is someone with you to take you home. So after 10 mins in a recovery room (coz I nearly fainted). I did ask questions. Mine was.... “OK doc, what is it? An ulcer? Reflux?” He came straight back and said “No, I’m afraid you’ve got Cancer” wow what a blow that was xx Looks like I got the all clear after chemo and an op to take out my Oesophagus. NHS are bloody Marvellous.
Hi John...thanks so much for that. I will definitely take your advice for next time. Am glad you are in a good place now. That must have been an awful experience. ..they mentioned lump and biopsy to me but didn't elaborate as i was so stressed..I have thought of nothing else for the last three days, I don't know how I've functioned really...but your comments and everyone else's on here has been a tremendous help. There is such positivity. I made the mistake of googling before I came on this site....big mistake...thanks again John and keep well.
PLEASE don't Google. Everyone is different. Sadly I googled (it's human nature). That gave me between 5 - 30 % of getting rid of it. With the help of chemo and surgery, I kicked it's backside. I think the way I handled everything after I heard that awful word was one of total positivity. I had convinced myself I'd beat it. I was upbeat and up for the challenge. I even laughed at it. After my 11hour 20 man operation taking my oesophagus and 42 lymph nodes out. They did it. Yes i'm going to take a while to 'repair' but I'll take that all day long. Please let me know how you get on. xx
That's such a great outcome...I am thrilled for you..you have been through so much Your positivity contributed I'm sure. I am going to try to have the same approach. It's the waiting that's hardest. I kinda know I'll go into 'lets do this' mode if I get the diagnosis i fear. Until then Im in no mans land...i have to assume the best and prepare for the worst I suppose.
Good luck John and well done you for 'kicking it's backside'
Hi Sharon. I had my first endoscopy without sedation and they knew exactly what they were looking at. They took biopsies then and there. I had scans and investigations arranged within hours. 8 years on
I had an endoscopy and they found another lump but they are not as worried and have done biopsies, they are pretty certain it’s not cancer but they won’t say it’s not till they are sure.
My first endoscopy, Feb this year, was under sedation and after recovery in the hospital I saw the registrar who performed it and he said I had a tumor, I thought it was a problem with some strong anti fungal medication I had been taking, sooooooo after tests, scans, exploratory surgery, more scans I had my Ivor Lewis op 2nd July and have not looked back, OK it's a change of life style but at 74 I am happy to live with it, I cycle and recently went swimming.
Google was a mistake, however I saw on the Cancer Research site a report of a lady who had a very large tumor removed and is now enjoying life.
Worrying cannot help but I know it is difficult not to, at least we now live an age of modern surgery and I also rate the NHS as outstanding, I had key-hole surgery and have just 5 small scars.
Good luck and good fortune but be confident that whatever the results there is hope for a good outcome, it may appear to be a long road with ups and downs but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Stay calm, take deep breaths and think of all the folks here thinking of you and hoping all goes well.
Hi there I to had my first with just throat spray never again. Ask for sedation and throat spray you will still have to put the bit in your mouth but then may Not know what goes on. You will recover quickly but will need someone with you which i’m Sure you will want anyway. When i did have a tumour they told me straight away even before biopsy results were back. I’m surprised you never got any paperwork i have had 8 over the years and always got a results print out. Did they just abandon it?
I had Gastris and a hiatus Hernia for years before I got Oesphagal cancer . Glad to say it was caught early and had chemo Ivor Lewis op and more chemo 2 1/2 years ago.
Try not to read too much into this it may be something completely different.
Hi Debbie...thank you for your reply ..yeah they abandoned it saying I'd have to come back to do another one with sedation. I am still in a fair bit of pain 4 days on as i think I moved about so much. Oh it was truly awful. I think there was paperwork that will go back to my GP and I have appointment with her on Wednesday. The nurse discharging me mentioned a lump and biopsy needed but was very vague and just said about getting sedation next time .... I am frantic with worry but all the responses here have been a great help. Glad to hear you are doing well. The stories on here are really inspirational.
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GERD and nightly heartburn 
Diaphragm hernia surgery 
nausea and sugar dips
Reactive hypoglycemia
Post op sleeping position 
