Pathology Module: Esophageal Cancer and Small Bowel Obstruction

These flashcards cover key concepts related to esophageal cancer, small bowel obstruction, and related gastrointestinal pathology for exam preparation.

Esophageal cancer

A malignancy of the esophagus, primarily affecting men and often characterized by squamous cell carcinoma.

Barrett’s esophagus

A condition related to severe reflux esophagitis, where adenocarcinomas can develop as a secondary malignancy.

Dysphagia

Progressive difficulty swallowing, often a clinical manifestation of esophageal cancer.

Odynophagia

Painful swallowing of food, a symptom associated with esophageal cancer.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO)

A mechanical blockage of the bowel lumen, which can be caused by adhesions, tumors, hernias, or volvulus.

Volvulus

Twisting of the bowel upon itself, leading to closed-loop obstruction and potential strangulation.

Strangulation obstruction

A type of bowel obstruction where blood supply is impaired, resulting in necrosis of the bowel wall.

Diverticulosis

A condition characterized by the presence of diverticula in the bowel wall without inflammation.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of diverticula, which can lead to complications such as perforation.

Intussusception

Telescoping of one segment of bowel into another, commonly seen in children.

Apple core lesion

A radiographic finding in colon cancer where the tumor creates a constriction resembling an apple core.

Pedunculated polyp

A polyp with a stalk that typically has a smooth outline and is less likely to be malignant than sessile polyps.

Sessile polyp

A polyp without a stalk that tends to be flat and irregular, often more suspicious for malignancy if larger than 2cm.

Barium enema (BE)

A diagnostic procedure to visualize the large intestine using barium contrast to detect obstructions or abnormalities.

Colonic ileus

Distention of the large bowel without signs of obstruction, often associated with acute abdominal inflammatory processes.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer

Includes alcoholism and smoking, both contributing to the development of malignancies in the esophagus.

Radiographic appearance of SBO

Distended loops of small bowel with gas and fluid, typically recognized within hours of obstruction.