What Are Esophageal Motor Abnormalities? Esophageal motor abnormalities are disorders of the esophagus involving altered muscular motility characterized by impaired esophageal peristalsis, or the progressive wave-like movement that occurs automatically when food or fluids are swallowed. Q: What is altered ...
Read More »Cancer, Esophageal Small Cell
What Is Esophageal Small Cell Cancer (Carcinoma)? Esophageal small cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy arising in the esophagus with a poor prognosis. Q: Where does the cancer occur in the esophagus? A: Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere in ...
Read More »Cancer Of The Esophagus
What Is Cancer Of The Esophagus? Cancer of the esophagus is a malignancy arising in the stratified squamous cell lining of any part of the esophagus and having a poor prognosis. This tumor first invades the deeper layers of the ...
Read More »Cancer, Post-Cricoid
What Is Post-Cricoid Carcinoma? Post-cricoid carcinoma is a rare malignancy arising in the hypopharynx. Q: What is the hypopharynx? A: The hypopharynx is the lower portion of the pharynx that opens into the larynx. It is comprised of the postcricoid ...
Read More »Bleeding / Swollen Gums
What Are Bleeding / Swollen Gums? Bleeding and/or swollen gums is an inflammatory disorder characterized by changes in gum integrity that may result in tooth loss. Sponginess of the gum (swelling) indicates inflammation, called gingivitis. Q: What causes gingivitis? A: Gingivitis that ...
Read More »Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)
What Are Aphthous Ulcers? Aphthous ulcers, also called canker sores, are a chronic disorder of soft mouth tissue characterized by small, painful purpuric, papular, or erosive lesions that are often surrounded by erythematous (red) margins.1 Q: What soft mouth tissues develop ...
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