Esophageal Disorders

These flashcards include key vocabulary and concepts related to esophageal disorders, their classification, pathogenesis, clinical features, and associated conditions.

Esophagus

The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus, which can be caused by various factors including infection, reflux, or chemical injury.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms and potential complications.

Achalasia

A disorder of the esophagus characterized by the inability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to dysphagia.

Barrett's Esophagus

A condition resulting from chronic GERD, where the normal esophageal lining is replaced by a type of intestinal lining, increasing cancer risk.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

A chronic immune condition characterized by eosinophil infiltration in the esophagus, leading to symptoms like food impaction.

Esophageal Varices

Dilated veins in the esophagus that occur due to liver disease and portal hypertension, which can bleed and be life-threatening.

Reflux Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus due to the reflux of stomach acid, often associated with GERD.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A common type of esophageal cancer that originates from the squamous cells lining the esophagus.

Adenocarcinoma

A type of esophageal cancer that arises from glandular cells, often related to Barrett's esophagus.

Hiatal Hernia

A condition in which part of the stomach moves into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.

Esophageal Stenosis

Narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause obstruction and difficulty swallowing.

Ectopia

The presence of tissue in an abnormal location, particularly referring to ectopic gastric or pancreatic tissue in the esophagus.

Motility Disorders

Conditions that affect the ability of the esophagus to move food effectively towards the stomach.

Hematemesis

Vomiting of blood, which can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Melena

Dark, tarry stools indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Odynophagia

Painful swallowing.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell that is involved in allergic reactions and certain infections, and is a key feature in eosinophilic esophagitis.