What Is the Difference Between Esophagitis and Esophageal Cancer?
Disease description:
I was recently diagnosed with esophagitis. I had previously heard of esophageal cancer and would like to know: what are the differences between esophagitis and esophageal cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Esophagitis and esophageal cancer differ significantly: esophagitis is a common inflammatory condition of the esophagus, whereas esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor—i.e., cancer—of the esophagus. The symptoms of esophagitis and esophageal cancer are often similar; both may present with retrosternal pain, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), acid reflux, and heartburn. Typically, symptoms of esophagitis are relatively mild and can be effectively managed with medication. In contrast, symptoms of esophageal cancer tend to be more severe and generally do not improve significantly with drug therapy. As the disease progresses to advanced stages, patients may develop complete inability to swallow (aphagia), hematemesis (vomiting blood), fever, and significant weight loss.
