Neil Sharma MD

Parkview Health's Neil R. Sharma, MD, is one of the best gastroenterologists, oncologists, and endoscopists in the country. Dedicated to the health of his patients and the advancement of medicine, he serves as a role model in the community.

At the University of South Florida (USF) at the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center & Research Institute, Dr. Sharma got his medical degree and completed his residency in Internal Medicine. Dr. Sharma's teaching and training abilities were widely recognized throughout his tenure as Chief Resident. He finished his gastrointestinal and hepatology fellowships at USF. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provided him with additional fellowship training in advanced endoscopy and endoscopic oncology.

As a doctor, Dr. Sharma specializes in Barrett's esophagus, esophageal, pancreatic, and gastric cancers, as well as minimally invasive endoscopic surgical procedures such as endoscopic resections and ablation procedures such as ERCP, EUS and other endoscopic resections and ablation procedures.

Endoscopic Oncology and Advanced Interventional Endoscopy programs at Parkview Health were founded in 2013 by Dr. Sharma after he relocated to Fort Wayne from Indianapolis. He is still the director of the program, which is now referred to as "IOSE" (Interventional Endoscopy, Oncology, and Surgical Endoscopy programs).

In 2014, he was promoted to the position of medical director of the GI Oncology department. His programs are cutting-edge in design and devoted to providing the best possible care for patients.

This program has grown rapidly under my leadership, and I've had the privilege of collaborating with GI oncologists from Indiana University and the surrounding area. It has aided in the growth of research and diverse treatment plans. Medical trials, new surgical procedures, and patient-centered, multidisciplinary care have all been implemented by Dr. Sharma. Dr. Sharma has also devised an unified presentation for all patients with foregut GI tumors through a tumor board to guarantee true multidisciplinary care during this time period. As part of his efforts to improve patient care at Parkview, he launched the first patient and disease-centered clinic in 2014.

Dr. Sharma is an Indiana University School of Medicine faculty member and Parkview Health fellowship director who is dedicated to the advancement of medical science. The American College of Gastroenterology's National Practice Management Committee appointed him to serve as a member of the National Practice Management Committee. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American College of Physicians are just a few of his many honors and affiliations. He is also a board member of the American Cancer Society in Indiana.

A result of his dedication to furthering medical education and innovation is the establishment of a fellowship training program in advanced interventional endoscopy. There is a national match for students who want to work in the field of interventional endoscopy, and the program participates in it. It was founded by Dr. Sharma in 2016. Several fellows have graduated from the program, and they have gone on to have fruitful careers in a range of academic institutions and healthcare facilities.

In addition, Dr. Sharma became the Institute's President in 2016. The state-of-the-art facility is nationally known as a cancer program of choice for patients in need of the highest quality treatment options. It is thanks to the efforts of Dr. Sharma and his colleagues that cancer care in northern Indiana and the Midwest has been elevated to a new level. We have introduced the best concepts from the nation's leading cancer hospitals to Parkview because of our dedication to innovation and best practices." Innovative technologies, creative care delivery models, and world-class healing environments that are smarter and built around patient needs are all part of Parkview's new approach under his direction.

Dr. Sharma's primary role as a leader is to use his passion and analytical, organized, innovative thinking to bring stakeholders together to co-create and build novel solutions to achieve objectives and outcomes that improve the health and success of others. According to Dr. Sharma, a person's success is solely dependent on the quality of the team with whom they are able to work.

Parkview Research Center and the Parkview Cancer Institute collaborate to conduct clinical trials for a wide range of cancers at the Parkview Cancer Institute in Chicago. On the list of these diseases to mention are malignancies of the breast, gastrointestinal tract and upper body, gynecological and head and neck, hematological and skin types, as well as COVID and cancer. Dr. Sharma's leadership and dedication to developing science in order to alleviate the load on patients is shown in his research effort. As a researcher, he continues to conduct clinical trials, teach others how to conduct research, publish publications, and collaborate with other researchers.

Parkview Health, a not-for-profit organization, employs more than 13,000 people in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. As of 1995, it had nine hospitals and a network of more than 2,000 physicians.

At independent schools and with medical students, he is a prolific volunteer who is dedicated to improving his community and expanding medical education. At Parkview Health in Minnesota, he is most proud of advancing education and mentorship through the advanced endoscopy fellowship, conducting research, and leading the Parkview Cancer Institute's development and leadership.

Dr. Sharma is grateful to have made a life in Indiana and the wider Fort Wayne area, where he has worked with numerous humanitarian organizations. He has made Fort Wayne a top location for cancer, GI, and endoscopy research because of his passion to expanding medical knowledge. His dedication to the Indiana University School of Medicine and other medical organizations is paving the way for the next generation of medical researchers, and it is making the university a national leader in medical training.

He is dedicated to the future of Endoscopy, Gi, and cancer care, and the development of innovative treatments and patient-centered techniques. A cancer-free world is a dream come true for him. With more clinical trials and research to come, he hopes to mentor fellows as well as other healthcare leaders. He also hopes to continue teaching and serving as president of the Parkview Cancer Institute, all while elevating his region's and his institution's status as a leader in patient-centered care that is focused on value, innovation, and excellence.

Dr. Sharma is active on Twitter, where he shares information about his cancer research and therapy with followers. Dr. Sharma also has a LinkedIn profile, if you'd want to connect with him.

When it comes to esophageal cancer treatment, you have several options. During an early stage of the disease, surgery may be enough to remove the entire cancerous portion of the esophagus. In more advanced stages, a surgeon will remove the cancer along with some of the lymph nodes surrounding it. Other esophageal cancer treatments include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, most patients are diagnosed when the cancer has spread to the stomach.

In addition to surgery and chemotherapy, you may be given radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a form of treatment that targets cancer cells and damages their DNA. It can be administered externally or internally and is usually given in conjunction with chemotherapy. Cancer doctors may also recommend radiation therapy before or after surgery. To determine if this treatment is right for you, speak to your doctor. Your physician will ask you about your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.

Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that involves the use of powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. In addition, it may be used prior to surgery to treat symptoms. Chemotherapy can also be used to treat cancer that has spread to the other parts of the body. Once surgery has been completed, your doctor will recommend a different type of treatment if necessary. In some cases, chemotherapy is not enough, though.

When chemoradiotherapy is not sufficient, surgery may be an option. This option involves removing a portion of the esophagus. The esophagus may need to be removed entirely. If cancer has spread, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy before surgery. If it spreads elsewhere in your body, you will need to undergo more extensive testing to determine the appropriate course of action.

Chemotherapy may be used to treat esophageal cancer. It is most effective in removing the tumor, but it can leave some healthy tissue. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used together. If your doctor thinks that your condition is treatable, they will recommend a treatment plan that will best meet your specific needs. You can find more information on esophageal cancer treatment options by visiting your doctor.

Radiation is another esophageal cancer treatment option. It is administered through an endoscope or through a laser. Radiation can destroy the tumor, but it can also damage healthy tissue. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy is not effective at destroying large areas of the tumor. However, it may be useful in relieving symptoms by shrinking a portion of the tumor. During treatment, you may need to use a feeding tube or temporarily stop eating.

Patients can choose from several esophageal cancer treatment options. Each treatment option is based on the stage and type of cancer. Depending on your personal preferences, your doctor may recommend a multidisciplinary team approach. This team may also include nutritional specialists, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers. Your doctor will determine which option will best treat your condition while minimizing side effects. It is crucial that you discuss all treatment options with your doctor and discuss them.

Another treatment option is targeted therapy, which uses drugs to attack cancer cells. This type of therapy is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery. Using monoclonal antibodies, such as trastuzumab, is one option that can help slow down the growth of esophageal cancer. These drugs are usually administered intravenously and are only effective if the tumor is HER2-positive. The downside of trastuzumab is that it can lead to flu-like symptoms. There is also a risk of heart damage as a side effect of the treatment.

The stage of esophageal cancer is determined by the type of cancer and the location of the tumor. The lower stages indicate that the cancer is localized within the esophagus, while stage IV means that the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. This staging system is constantly evolving as doctors improve their diagnosis methods. This will help determine the most effective course of esophageal cancer treatment.

A specialized team of doctors will decide which esophageal cancer treatment is most appropriate for you. They will assess your symptoms, evaluate the tumor location, and recommend treatment options. The doctor may also perform a biopsy to ensure the best possible results. Fortunately, esophageal cancer treatment is available through surgery. In most cases, this type of treatment is a quick and relatively straightforward process.

The survival rate of esophageal cancer depends on several factors. The type of cancer, the extent of its spread, and the cancer cells found under a microscope will determine the treatment. A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals will discuss the available treatment options with the patient. Treatment options for esophageal cancer are highly personalized and depend on the type of cancer and the patient's overall health and well-being.

In comparing a patient's overall health and the stage of the disease, the relative survival rate compares a patient's condition with the population at risk for that particular cancer stage. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with localized esophageal cancer, their five-year survival rate is 60%. This is because cancer will likely spread to nearby tissues or distant organs by this stage.

In a study published in 2015, researchers found that the survival rate for esophageal cancer declined by almost half over six to 10 years. The difference was greater for male patients than for the general population. For stage 4A, the tumors had spread to adjacent organs, including the stomach and lymph nodes. Surgical intervention and radio-chemotherapy were the primary treatment options for survivors. However, it should be noted that survival rates decreased linearly.

There are two types of esophageal cancer, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Although both types are fatal, the survival rate of esophageal cancer is extremely low. Despite recent advances in cancer treatments, survival rates remain low. The poor prognosis is attributed to the high toxicity of chemotherapy drugs and the development of drug-resistant tumors.

In the advanced stages of the disease, the patient's survival depends on available treatment options. For example, the patient may undergo surgery to remove part or all of the esophagus. Alternatively, treatment options may include radiation therapy. The radiation therapy will kill cancer cells. If the cancer is diagnosed in a stage where surgery isn't feasible, it can be successfully treated using other methods, such as chemotherapy.

The overall esophageal cancer survival rate is about 20% in the United States. However, the number of patients who survive beyond five years depends on the stage of the disease. It is important to understand that the 5-year survival rate does not consider other factors that may increase the chances of survival. Therefore, although the survival rate may not be accurate, it can give a good idea of the success of treatment.

While it is important to remember that esophageal cancer survivors may be at higher risk for other lethal diseases, most of these patients survive their cancer for five years or more. These survivors have a similar lifespan to the general population. This finding has great relevance for patients, healthcare providers, and society. It also raises the question of what causes esophageal cancer. This study aims to address these questions.

Early diagnosis of esophageal cancer is crucial to improving one's chances of survival and determining the prognosis of the disease. Although esophageal cancer is rarely diagnosed in the early stages, symptoms of the disease often become apparent only when it's already advanced. Some patients experience difficulty swallowing or dysphasia, which may be symptoms of esophageal cancer.

Despite the recent improvement in survival rates, esophageal cancer remains a significant health problem in patients. During the past two decades, research on the epidemiology of esophageal and gastric cancers has increased. Geographical trends in the incidence and mortality of these diseases vary by morphology, organ suite, and age. Those with cancer in the upper esophagus experienced a higher survival rate than those with cancer in the lower esophagus.

The patient may have reached stage IV if cancer spreads from the esophagus and lymph nodes. The survival rate for this type of cancer depends on whether the cancer is localized or has spread to distant organs. In stage IV, cancer may have spread to the liver and lungs. Surgery to remove the cancer is not usually an option. As cancer spreads, doctors will try other treatments.

As mentioned, the five-year survival rate is based on patients diagnosed over eight years ago. However, newer treatments may have improved the survival rate. Always ask your doctor about the latest data regarding the survival rate of esophageal cancer patients. This will give you a better understanding of the situation. If you are diagnosed with the disease, contact a healthcare professional immediately. They can help you make an informed decision.

Do not panic if you are concerned about having a Barrett's esophageal cough, according to Neil Sharma MD. GERD is the primary cause of this condition, which is extremely rare. Barrett's esophagus is three to five times more likely to develop in people with GERD. Check with your doctor to see if you're at risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Heartburn and acid regurgitation are two of the most common Barrett's esophageal cough symptoms. Barrett's esophagus may be present if you have heartburn more than twice a week. You may also notice a sour taste in your mouth and a constant sore throat. In the final analysis, you might smell foul. The sooner you get checked for Barrett's esophagus, the better your quality of life will be.

Endoscopy, an outpatient procedure performed by gastroenterologists to examine the lining of the esophagus, may be necessary if Barrett's esophagus has advanced. Cancerous cells can be spotted during an endoscopy. The frequency of follow-up examinations depends on the severity of Barrett's esophagus. Once a year, a follow-up endoscopy may also be necessary.

Radiofrequency ablation is an option for Barrett's esophagus treatment, as well as acid-reduction medication. Esophageal tissue is removed during this procedure. While the procedure is taking place, you will be put to sleep under sedation. Reduce your intake of acidic foods, reduce your portion size, and give up smoking as additional treatment options. An anti-inflammatory medication can also be prescribed by a therapist to help alleviate your symptoms.

If you have symptoms of Barrett's esophagus, you may not notice them until you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or esophageal cancer, as seen by Neil Sharma MD. Even though Barrett's esophagus cough is not a symptom of the disease itself, it is still potentially fatal. In people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus is more common, but it can occur without GERD.

Most of the time, an upper endoscopy is used by a gastroenterologist to look for changes in the esophageal lining. An endomicroscope is a flexible, illuminated tube with a camera at the tip that the doctor will use to examine the tissue. Taking a small piece of tissue and sending it to a pathology lab for analysis is another treatment option.

Barrett's esophagus can develop in people who have heartburn. Stomach acid washes the esophagus, causing this problem. This results in acid reflux and harms the esophageal cells in the process. If Barrett's esophagus is left untreated, it can lead to esophageal cancer. Heartburn and Barrett's esophageal symptoms can be alleviated with medication prescribed by a doctor.

The sooner you see a doctor if you suspect that you have Barrett's esophagus, the better. The increased risk of esophageal cancer that comes with this condition is well-known. Precancerous cells can be detected through tests performed by your doctor. Barrett's esophagus, if caught early enough, can be treated before it develops into cancer. The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases over time for those with the condition.

Patients with fewer GERD symptoms are more likely to develop Barrett's esophagus symptoms. Neil Sharma MD believes that a proton pump inhibitor, which reduces stomach acid, may be prescribed if your symptoms are mild. A mutagenic effect on the esophagus may result from the use of these drugs for a short period of time. Surgery may be necessary in the most serious cases.

Barrett's esophagus treatment does not always require surgery, according to Neil Sharma MD. Periodic GI investigations are required to track the problem and evaluate whether it is worsening or requiring surgery. Barrett's esophagus patients are more likely to be male and white, and they are also more likely to be fat. If you're having these problems, you might be a good candidate for treatment.

RFA destroys aberrant cells in the esophagus using bipolar electrical energy. The radiofrequency energy is applied once the catheter is placed and inflated. This causes the intracellular water to heat up. Barrett's esophagus, which is a symptom of this illness, has a high success rate with this method. RFA is often recommended for patients with Barrett's esophagus, both dysplastic and nondysplastic.

This medication works to keep the illness from progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma and high-grade dysplasia. It also gets rid of metaplasia in the intestines. It's both safe and efficient. According to Van Vilsteren FG and colleagues, the primary author of a multicenter investigation, radiofrequency ablation is the most effective treatment for Barrett's esophagus.

A specific catheter is required for radiofrequency ablation. There are various different types of radiofrequency ablation catheters, and the one that is used depends on the area of the esophagus that needs to be treated. One such catheter is the Halo 360. This catheter has a non-compliant balloon on the outside with a 3-cm bipolar electrode. Depending on the patient's condition, the Halo 360 catheter is available in five different outer diameter sizes.

Treatment for GERD and Barrett's esophagus might include a variety of therapies as well as lifestyle adjustments. Avoiding fatty or acidic foods, as well as smoking, are examples of lifestyle adjustments. Patients may also reduce their alcohol use. Patients who do not respond to lifestyle modifications or do not want to take drugs for lengthy periods of time may consider surgical treatment for Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic procedures are becoming more common as well. These techniques are currently investigational and can be performed on the esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus can be treated via endoscopic mucosal excision. In the patient's mouth, a piece of endoscopic equipment containing a camera and fiber-optic light is inserted. A catheter is guided down the esophagus using an endoscope. Around the esophagus, the catheter emits short bursts of high-energy radiation. A tiny layer of diseased tissue is destroyed during this treatment. Within three to four weeks, the new tissue replaces the injured tissue. After then, patients can resume taking acid-suppressing drugs.

The severity of cellular alterations revealed on biopsy determines the course of treatment for Barrett's esophagus. Medication to lower acid production may be included. Although treatment for Barrett's esophagus is not always viable, doctors can make an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will talk to you about treatment options and your cancer risk. The following techniques may be used to treat Barrett's esophagus:

Neil Sharma MD pointed out that Professional-level papers are created for physicians and are extensive and detailed, with several references and details. These articles are suitable for readers who are familiar with medical terminology and wish to read materials similar to those used by doctors. This Barrett's esophagus therapy article will also assist you in comprehending the underlying disease. Patients with Barrett's esophagus may benefit from surgery or antibiotic treatment.

Barrett's esophagus disease is commonly caused by GERD and acid reflux. When stomach acid corrodes the lining of the esophagus, it causes it to expand and change, resulting in this condition. Barrett's esophagus is more common in people with GERD than in people without GERD. It can, however, happen even if you don't have GERD.

Radical surgery is the standard treatment for Barrett's esophagus. Patients' stomachs are essentially removed, and their esophagus is relocated up to their neck. Newer treatments, on the other hand, spare the esophagus and return the cells to their original layered structure. Patients can have these therapies for a reasonable cost and they are quite successful. The treatment typically consists of four 30-minute outpatient procedures.

Neil Sharma MD emphasized that endoscopic therapy has been discovered to treat individuals with high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. For patients with high-grade dysplasia, a systematic review compared these therapies to esophagectomy. Several studies were selected and their quality was rated in the study. To find trends, data from each trial was compiled and pooled. The safety, occurrence of side effects, and total eradication of the dysplasia of each treatment were compared.

According to Neil Sharma MD, the cost of endoscopic surgery might change significantly based on the location and the kind of treatment that is being performed. The cost of the surgery can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars in a setting that is semi-government run to as much as six thousand dollars in a private facility. You can ask your doctor for an estimate of the cost of the treatment if you are unclear about how much it will cost. If a patient does not have health insurance, they will often be expected to pay for portion of their medical care out of their own money. Patients who have health insurance are responsible for paying either a deductible, a copay, or a portion of the patient's overall coinsurance. If the surgeon gives you any medicines, you will be responsible for paying for them regardless of whether or not your health insurance covers them. If you are unable to afford the more expensive versions of these drugs, however, you should inquire with your provider about the availability of generic alternatives.

The expense of the anaesthetic is still another aspect to take into account. There are many different kinds of anesthesia, such as local, topical, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Additional fees are often incurred for the services of anesthesiologists and nurses. When there are numerous doctors working on a patient throughout the surgery, this also drives up the cost of the anaesthetic. It is also essential to keep in mind that, on average, hospitals have higher costs than private clinics do; hence, the expense of having surgery done in a private clinic will be lower than the price of having the same treatment done in a hospital.

The cost of the endoscopic process is significantly lower than that of the more traditional surgical method. This is due to the fact that the endoscopic procedure is less intrusive. However, in order for it to function, a specialist crew is needed. Neil Sharma MD thinks that this requires a unique hand-eye coordination and sophisticated equipment. Reusable devices and equipment are also required in endoscopic surgery. Furthermore, the cost of this operation is determined by the location and type of surgery done. Although the treatment is quite simple, there are certain hazards associated.

According to the findings of a study that was published in 2021, the cost of endoscopic sinus surgery ranges between $3,600 to $10,500. A surgical operation that involves a separate process, on the other hand, can cost as much as ten thousand dollars. According to the findings of a study that was carried out in Georgia in 2021, a surgical procedure that cost $9,000 and had no problems was more cost-effective than medicinal treatment. When calculating how much an operation will cost and how you will be expected to pay for it, there are several factors that come into play.