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Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer Esophageal cancer is cancer of the esophagus. The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and makes swallowing easier. The esophagus is located just behind the trachea (windpipe). In an adult, the esophagus is about 10 inches (25 cm) long.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Esophageal
Pertaining to the esophagus.
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Esophagus
The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.
Food
Any substance eaten to provide nutritional support for the body.
Stomach
The organ between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.
Contract
A written, dated, and signed agreement between two or more involved parties that sets out any arrangements on delegation and distribution of tasks and obligations and, if appropriate, on financial matters. The protocol may serve as the basis of a contract.
Mucus
A substance secreted by various tissues in the body (the mucous membranes) made up of water, mucin (a glycoprotein), salts, and some cells. In the lungs, mucus serves to lubricate the insides of the airways and to trap inhaled foreign particles so that they can be coughed out. In asthma, however, an excess of mucus is produced and can actually block airways. Mucus also tends to be thicker and more viscous in asthmatics.
Trachea
The trachea is a tube which extends from the larynx to the esophagus. It is connected to the trachea at about the area where the larynx is located. It functions as a tube for air to pass through from the external environment to the lungs. It is composed of C-shaped cartilage rings which are embedded in the smooth muscle. The cartilage prevents the trachea from collapsing and closing off the airway.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Esophageal
Pertaining to the esophagus.
Esophageal atresia
A congenital lack of continuity of the esophagus.
Esophageal reflux
See gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophageal spasms
Muscle cramps in the esophagus that cause pain in the chest.
Esophageal speech
Speech produced with air trapped in the esophagus and forced out again. People with a laryngectomy (for example, for laryngeal cancer) may be taught to produce esophageal speech.
Esophageal stricture
A narrowing of the esophagus often caused by acid flowing back from the stomach. This condition may require surgery.
Esophageal stricture, acute
A narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring from acid irritation. Acute, complete obstruction of the esophagus occurs when food (usually meat) is lodged in the esophageal stricture. Patients experience chest pain, and are unable to swallow saliva. Attempts to relieve the obstruction by inducing vomiting at home are usually unsuccessful. Patients with complete esophageal obstruction can breathe, and are not at any risk of suffocation. Endoscopy is usually employed to retrieve the meat and relieve the obstruction.
Esophageal stricture, chronic
A longstanding narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring by acid irritation. Narrowing of the esophagus. A common complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Several procedures are available for stretching (dilating) the strictures without having to resort to surgery. One of the procedures involves placing a deflated balloon across the stricture at the time of endoscopy. The balloon is then inflated, thereby opening the narrowing caused by the stricture. Another method involves inserting tapered dilators of different sizes through the mouth into the esophagus to dilate the stricture.
Esophageal ulcer
A sore in the esophagus. Caused by long-term inflammation or damage from the residue of pills. The ulcer may cause chest pain.
Esophageal varices
Stretched veins in the esophagus that occur when the liver is not working properly. If the veins burst, the bleeding can cause death.
Esophagectomy
An operation to remove a portion of the esophagus.
Esophagitis
An irritation of the esophagus, usually caused by acid that flows up from the stomach.
Esophagogastric tamponade
A procedure in which a balloon is inflated within the esophagus and stomach to apply pressure on bleeding blood vessels, compress the vessels, and stop the bleeding. Used in the treatment of bleeding veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) and stomach. The balloon used in the esophagus is shaped like a sausage while that in the stomach is rounded. Esophagogastric tamponade is also called balloon tamponade.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Also known as EGD or upper endoscopy. A procedure that enables the examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine the esophagus (the swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of small bowel) using a thin flexible tube (a "scope") that can be looked through or seen on a TV monitor.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Exam of the upper digestive tract using an endoscope. See endoscopy.
Esophagoscopy
Examination of the esophagus using a thin, lighted instrument.
Esophagram
A series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a solution that coats and outlines the walls of the esophagus. Also called a barium swallow.
Esophagus
The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.
Esophoria
A tendency for an eye to turn inward a little bit. It occurs under certain conditions such as fatigue. An esophoria is sometimes uncovered by the cover test.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Exocytosis
The process by which intracellular chemicals (including hormones) are released.
Embryo
The early stages of development before an organism becomes self supporting.
Edema
Accumulation of abnormal quantities of fluid in spaces between the cells of the body. Edema can accumulate in almost any location in the body. Most common sites include the feet and ankles.
Erectile dysfunction
A man's consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection during intercourse; commonly known as impotence.
Ependymoma
Ependymal tumors are tumors that begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the passageways in the brain where special fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord (called cerebrospinal fluid) is made and stored. There are different kinds of ependymal tumors, which are defined by how the cells look under a microscope.
Esophageal cancer
Epilepsy
Sudden and recurrent disturbances in mental function, state of consciousness, sensory activity, or movements of the body, caused by paroxysmal malfunction of cerebral nerve cells. Epilepsy includes generalized convulsions in which there is sudden unconsciousness with falling and shaking of limbs, momentary lapses of awareness, and local movements and sensations in parts of the body, as well as other types of activity that may include bizarre automatic behaviour, strange memories, illusory and hallucinatory experiences, and changes in mood.
Eating disorders
A group of disorders in which there are significant disturbances in eating. Two common examples are Anorexia Nervosa, a refusal to maintain an acceptable body weight for one’s age and height: and Bulimia Nervosa, uncontrollable binge eating which may be followed by purging the food through self-induced vomiting, laxatives or diuretics.
Emotional disorders
A psychological disorder characterized by maladjustive emotional reactions such as irrational or uncontrollable fears, persistent anxiety, or extreme hostility.
Erythematous
Redness of the skin caused by congestion of the capillaries, often due to inflammation or infection.
Epinephrine
One of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heart beats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise.
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