SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Malignant-Esophagitis

Malignant Esophagitis

Malignant Esophagitis: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features Authors: Hamza Kamran Reviewers: Claire Song Shahab Marzoughi Sylvain Coderre* * MD at time of publication Barrett’s Esophagus (pre-malignant condition) Chronic gastric reflux (acidic partially- digested stomach contents) Conversion of normal esophageal squamous epithelium to metaplastic columnar epithelium Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Recurrent regurgitation of gastric content Chronic Irritation & damage to the esophageal mucosa Lesions and plaques develop in distal esophagus Malignancy develops in the mucus-producing glandular cells in the lower esophagus Smoking Carcinogenic tobacco condensate is swallowed Irritation of the the esophageal lining Heavy alcohol consumption Mutation in alcohol- dehydrogenase, which breaks down ethanol ↓ Alcohol breakdown Irritation of the esophageal mucosa & lining ↑ Inflammation of the squamous epithelium located in the upper & middle esophagus Achalasia (Esophageal smooth muscle motility disorder) Food stasis in the esophagus ↑ Bacteria production Lactic acid production & fermentation damages esophageal mucosa Chronic inflammation in the esophageal epithelium Malignant cells invade the aorta & tracheobronchial region ↑ Spread & growth of cancer in other organ systems Metastatic invasion into the aorta, lungs, liver, bones, & kidneys through the lymph nodes ↑ Spread & growth of cancer in other organ systems ↑ Metabolic demand Unintentional weight loss Generalized chest pain Hoarseness Cough Esophageal adenocarcinoma (malignancy of the glandular cells of the esophagus) Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (malignancy of the squamous epithelium of the esophagus) ↑ Metabolic demand ↑ Weight loss Chronic GI bleeding Iron-deficiency anemia ↑ Ulceration Exposure to stomach acid ↑ Tumor- induced inflammation ↑ Fibrosis Irregular stricture of the upper & middle esophagus Dysphagia Esophageal wall narrowing Abnormal reflexes of GI tract Dysphagia Indigestion Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications Published Dec 15, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com