What is the difference between esophageal varices and esophageal tumors observed during gastroscopy?

The main difference between esophageal varices and esophageal tumors as observed during gastroscopy lies in their morphological appearance. The specific analysis is as follows:

Under normal circumstances, esophageal varices occur in the esophagus and are benign. During gastroscopic examination, esophageal varices typically appear blue or orange-red, with intact mucosal surface and no pulsation, and have well-defined borders. In contrast, esophageal cancer is a type of gastrointestinal tumor that usually has very high mortality and incidence rates. During gastroscopy, esophageal cancer appears as esophageal ulceration, stiffened esophageal walls, and may be accompanied by bleeding. Therefore, the primary distinction between esophageal varices and esophageal tumors during gastroscopy is their differing morphological features.

It is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment to promote recovery. For patients with esophageal varices, endoscopic variceal ligation can be performed during gastroscopy, followed by regular follow-up examinations. For those diagnosed with esophageal cancer, aggressive treatment such as right thoracic video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy should be considered to facilitate recovery. In daily life, it is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamins and high-quality protein, such as vegetables and eggs.