The most obvious difference between esophagitis and esophageal cancer

The most obvious differences between esophagitis and esophageal cancer are reflected in the following aspects: 1. Etiology: Esophagitis is usually caused by chronic inflammation due to factors such as gastric acid reflux, alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug side effects; while esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor caused by cell mutations, closely related to environmental factors, genetic factors, and long-term chronic irritation. 2. Symptoms: The main symptoms of esophagitis include retrosternal pain (burning or stabbing), intermittent dysphagia, acid regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite; symptoms of esophageal cancer include progressive dysphagia, retrosternal pain (possibly radiating to the back or throat), regurgitation, dehydration, weight loss, and anemia. 3. Treatment: Esophagitis is generally treated through lifestyle modifications and medication; while treatment for esophageal cancer requires comprehensive approaches such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy depending on the patient's condition.