Achalasia
Achalasia is a motor disorder characterized by a complete loss of contraction and relaxation of muscles used to move contents down the esophagus.
Diseases of the Esophagus
Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the esophagus tries to repair itself from inflammation or ulceration due to the washback of acids from the stomach.
Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the esophagus has two primary types - squamous cell carninoma and adenocarinoma. Detection methods can include upper endoscopy, CT scans and EUS.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disorder where acids from the stomach back up into the esophagus, with the most common symptom being heartburn.
Peptic Stricture
A peptic stricture, or esophageal stricture, is a narrowing of the esophagus resulting in difficulty swallowing, with food 'sticking' on its way to the stomach.
Webs, Rings & Diverticula
An esophageal web is a thin bit of tissue like a washer. Rings are thicker involving more of the wall. Diverticula are outpocketings of one or more layers.