I would just like to know if anyone on here has had a cytosponge test and how it works and what it's looking for? I've just found out that is the test I'm going to be having.
The patient swallows a capsule which is attached to a thread. The capsule contains a sponge. Once in the stomach the capsule dissolves and the the sponge expands slightly. As it is withdrawn it collects cells from the oesophagus.
Thes cells can be examined under the microscope to see the extent of inflammation and whether there are any precancerous cells present. (Much like a cervical smear test). Ablation (with a laser I think) may be necessary to destroy any abnormal cells.
it’s a wonderful minimally invasive advance that has been undergoing trials for a while and is now being used in some centres to investigate patients with chronic reflux (Barrats).
I had chronic indigestion and reflux the whole of my adult life. if it had been around a decade ago it would have saved me (and a lot of others) from developing oesophageal cancer and needing subsequent surgery.
Im sure you’ll find the test pretty simple and easy to cope with - easier than a gastroscopy- which is no big deal anyway.
Please post how you get on with it and the outcome, We would all be most interested.
