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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Esophageal Cancer

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Pulmonary Hypertension

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Early disease may cause few or no symptoms. As the tumor grows, people may develop difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, weight loss, chest discomfort, or persistent indigestion.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension means abnormally high pressure in the lung circulation, which can strain the right side of the heart. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is one particular form. Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, especially during activity.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Hoarseness Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Chest Pain Coughing Blood High Blood Pressure

Causes

Shared
Smoking
Only in Left Disease
Alcohol
Only in Right Disease
Chronic Disease

Diagnosis

Esophageal Cancer
Diagnosis usually begins with evaluation of swallowing difficulty, chest or upper abdominal symptoms, weight loss, and other concerning findings. Upper endoscopy allows direct examination of the esophagus and collection of tissue for biopsy. CT, PET, or other imaging may then be used to assess the tumor, nearby structures, lymph nodes, and possible spread.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Evaluation includes medical history, examination, and tests of heart and lung function. Echocardiography assesses heart function and the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension. Right-heart catheterization directly measures pressures when indicated. Further investigations identify the underlying cause and help distinguish the different forms.

Prevention

Esophageal Cancer
Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic acid reflux can help reduce several risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. People with Barrett esophagus should follow recommended medical surveillance and treatment. Persistent or progressive difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension cannot always be prevented. Possible risk-reduction measures depend on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. People with relevant heart, lung, inherited, or other associated conditions can discuss appropriate assessment and risk reduction with their healthcare professional.

Risk Factors

Esophageal Cancer
Risk factors include cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus, obesity, certain dietary patterns, and increasing age. Some inherited conditions, environmental exposures, and previous abnormalities of the esophagus may also increase risk. Risk varies according to the type of esophageal cancer.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Risk depends on the form of pulmonary hypertension. Associated factors can include heart or chronic lung disease, low oxygen levels, previous pulmonary blood clots, connective tissue disease such as scleroderma, and certain inherited conditions or exposures. A factor relevant to one form may not apply to another.

Treatment

Esophageal Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Treatment comparison will be available soon.