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Tag Archives: Esophagus Disorders

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome Affecting Esophagus

What Is Plummer-Vinson Syndrome Affecting the Esophagus? Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a manifestation of severe, long-term, iron deficiency anemia that is characterized by post-cricoid esophageal webs and dysphagia. Q: What are esophageal webs? A: Esophageal webs are one or more thin ...

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? GERD is an upper digestive disorder that is characterized by a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LES,) which allows the abnormal reflux or backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is also ...

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Glycogenic Acanthosis (Esophageal Plaques)

What Is Glycogenic Acanthosis? Glycogenic acanthosis is a benign thickening of the esophageal squamous epithelium (surface cell lining)  characterized by the presence of numerous, uniformly grey-white plaques made up of large squamous cells filled with glycogen. The wax-like plaques in ...

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Heartburn

What Is Heartburn? Heartburn is a functional upper digestive symptom of esophagitis that is characterized by a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Q: Why does esophagitis cause heartburn? A: Esophagitis is inflammation of the mucosal lining of the esophagus. The most ...

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Esophageal Motor Abnormalities – Food Sticks In Esophagus

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 ...

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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 ...

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Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

dysphagia difficulty swallowing gluten celiac disease symptom

What Is Dysphagia? Dysphagia is a functional upper digestive disorder characterized by difficulty in swallowing or food getting stuck and swallowing that takes longer than 10 seconds to complete. Q: What determines the symptoms? A: Symptoms depend on the location ...

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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 ...

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