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 ...
Read More »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 ...
Read More »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 ...
Read More »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 ...
Read More »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 ...
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 »Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
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 ...
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 ...
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