The main conditions affecting the<unk>  are described here. For a more complete list, see<unk> phageal disease. Inflammation Inflammation of the<unk>  is known as<unk> phagitis. Reflux of gastric acids from the stomach, infection, substances ingested (for example, corrosives), some medications (such as bisphosphonates), and food allergies can all lead to<unk> phagitis.<unk> phageal candidiasis is an infection of the yeast Candida albicans that may occur when a person is immunocompromised. the causes of some forms of<unk> phagitis, such as eosinophilic<unk> phagitis, are not well-characterized, but may include Th2-mediated atopies or genetic factors. There appear to be correlations between eosinophilic<unk> phagitis, asthma (itself with an eosinophilic component), eczema, and allergic rhinitis, though it is not clear whether these conditions contribute to eosinophilic<unk> phagitis or vice versa, or if they are symptoms of mutual underlying factors.<unk> phagitis can cause painful swallowing and is usually treated by managing the cause of the<unk> phagitis - such as managing reflux or treating infection. Barrett's<unk>  Prolonged<unk> phagitis, particularly from gastric reflux, is one factor thought to play a role in the development of Barrett's<unk> . In this condition, there is metaplasia of the lining of the lower<unk> , which changes from stratified squamous epithelia to simple columnar epithelia. Barrett's<unk>  is thought to be one of the main contributors to the development of<unk> phageal cancer. Cancer There are two main types of cancer of the<unk> . Squamous cell carcinoma is a carcinoma that can occur in the squamous cells lining the<unk> . This type is much more common in China and Iran. The other main type is an adenocarcinoma that occurs in the glands or columnar tissue of the<unk> . This is most common in developed countries in those with Barrett's<unk> , and occurs in the cuboidal cells. In its early stages,<unk> phageal cancer may not have any symptoms at all. When severe,<unk> phageal cancer may eventually cause obstruction of the<unk> , making swallowing of any solid foods very difficult and causing weight loss. The progress of the cancer is staged using a system that measures how far into the<unk> phageal wall the cancer has invaded, how many lymph nodes are affected, and whether there are any metastases in different parts of the body.<unk> phageal cancer is often managed with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and may also be managed by partial surgical removal of the<unk> . Inserting a stent into the<unk> , or inserting a nasogastric tube, may also be used to ensure that a person is able to digest enough food and water. , the prognosis for<unk> phageal cancer is still poor, so palliative therapy may also be a focus of treatment. Varices<unk> phageal varices are swollen twisted branches of the azygous vein in the lower third of the<unk> . These blood vessels anastomose (join up) with those of the portal vein when portal hypertension develops. These blood vessels are engorged more than normal, and in the worst cases may partially obstruct the<unk> . These blood vessels develop as part of a collateral circulation that occurs to drain blood from the abdomen as a result of portal hypertension, usually as a result of liver diseases such as cirrhosis. This collateral circulation occurs because the lower part of the<unk>  drains into the left gastric vein, which is a branch of the portal vein. Because of the extensive venous plexus that exists between this vein and other veins, if portal hypertension occurs, the direction of blood drainage in this vein may reverse, with blood draining from the portal venous system, through the plexus. Veins in the plexus may engorge and lead to varices.<unk> phageal varices often do not have symptoms until they rupture. A ruptured varix is considered a medical emergency because varices can bleed a lot. A bleeding varix may cause a person to vomit blood, or suffer shock. To deal with a ruptured varix, a band may be placed around the bleeding blood vessel, or a small amount of a clotting agent may be injected near the bleed. A surgeon may also try to use a small inflatable balloon to apply pressure to stop the wound. IV fluids and blood products may be given in order to prevent hypovolemia from excess blood loss. Motility disorders Several disorders affect the motility of food as it travels down the<unk> . This can cause difficult swallowing, called dysphagia, or painful swallowing, called odynophagia. Achalasia refers to a failure of the lower<unk> phageal sphincter to relax properly, and generally develops later in life. This leads to progressive enlargement of the<unk> , and possibly eventual megaesophagus. A nutcracker<unk>  refers to swallowing that can be extremely painful. Diffuse<unk> phageal spasm is a spasm of the<unk>  that can be one cause of chest pain. Such referred pain to the wall of the upper chest is quite common in<unk> phageal conditions. Sclerosis of the<unk> , such as with systemic sclerosis or in CREST syndrome may cause hardening of the walls of the<unk>  and interfere with peristalsis. Malformations<unk> phageal strictures are usually benign and typically develop after a person has had reflux for many years. Other strictures may include<unk> phageal webs (which can also be congenital) and damage to the<unk>  by radiotherapy, corrosive ingestion, or eosinophilic<unk> phagitis. A Schatzki ring is fibrosis at the gastro-esophageal junction. Strictures may also develop in chronic anemia, and Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Two of the most common congenital malformations affecting the<unk>  are an<unk> phageal atresia where the<unk>  ends in a blind sac instead of connecting to the stomach; and an<unk> phageal fistula – an abnormal connection between the<unk>  and the trachea. Both of these conditions usually occur together. These are found in about 1 in 3500 births. Half of these cases may be part of a syndrome where other abnormalities are also present, particularly of the heart or limbs. The other cases occur singly. Imaging A mass seen during an endoscopy and an ultrasound of the mass conducted during the endoscopy session. An X-ray of swallowed barium may be used to reveal the size and shape of the<unk> , and the presence of any masses. The<unk>  may also be imaged using a flexible camera inserted into the<unk> , in a procedure called an endoscopy. If an endoscopy is used on the stomach, the camera will also have to pass through the<unk> . During an endoscopy, a biopsy may be taken. If cancer of the<unk>  is being investigated, other methods, including a CT scan, may also be used.
Esophagus
Epigastrium
Endobronchial valve
Palatine tonsil
Oropharyngeal airway
Salve
Indium lung
Subclavian loop