What are the differences between esophagitis and esophageal cancer
Disease description:
My friend has been experiencing acid reflux for a long time, and after a hospital examination, it was diagnosed as caused by esophagitis. Could you please explain the differences between esophagitis and esophageal cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Haiming
The difference between esophagitis and esophageal cancer lies in the fact that they are two completely distinct diseases. Esophagitis is usually an inflammatory condition caused by irritation from stomach acid or reflux. In contrast, esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor, so the treatment approaches for these two conditions differ significantly. Esophagitis can be effectively treated under a doctor's guidance with medications that suppress acid production and enhance gastric motility, leading to recovery. However, esophageal cancer typically requires treatment through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical intervention.
