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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Stomach Cancer

Unknown
4
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Esophagitis

Mild
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the lining of the stomach. It may develop gradually and can cause indigestion, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty eating, or unexplained weight loss. Early disease may produce few or nonspecific symptoms, so persistent digestive symptoms require appropriate medical evaluation.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It can cause painful or difficult swallowing, chest discomfort, heartburn, and sometimes vomiting. Reflux of stomach acid is a common cause, but infections, medicines, allergies, and other conditions can also injure the esophagus.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Loss of Appetite Lower Abdominal Pain Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Acid Reflux Difficulty Swallowing Hoarseness

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Infection Smoking
Only in Right Disease
Inflammation

Diagnosis

Stomach Cancer
Diagnosis generally involves upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, during which the stomach lining can be examined directly and a biopsy can be taken for microscopic analysis. Imaging such as CT scans may be used to determine the extent of disease. Additional tests may be performed to assess tumor characteristics and possible spread.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is diagnosed from symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause and severity, tests such as upper endoscopy, imaging, or other studies may be used to look for inflammation, damage, infection, or another condition.

Prevention

Stomach Cancer
Risk reduction includes avoiding tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate fruits and vegetables, limiting heavily salted, smoked, or preserved foods, and identifying and treating Helicobacter pylori infection when appropriate. People with significant inherited or medical risk factors should follow individualized medical advice regarding surveillance.
Esophagitis
Risk can be reduced by treating acid reflux and following measures that limit irritation of the esophagus. Take tablets and capsules with plenty of water and remain upright rather than lying down immediately after taking medicines. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, and avoid lying down soon after large meals. People with recurrent symptoms should seek medical advice so the underlying cause can be treated.

Risk Factors

Stomach Cancer
Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic gastritis, smoking, family history, certain inherited cancer syndromes, increasing age, diets high in heavily salted or preserved foods, and previous stomach surgery or certain precancerous stomach conditions.
Esophagitis
Risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, alcohol use, and taking certain medicines without enough water. Medicines such as alendronate, doxycycline, tetracycline, potassium tablets, and vitamin C can irritate the esophagus when they remain in contact with its lining. Vomiting, lying down soon after a large meal, chest radiation, and conditions associated with allergies or immune problems may also increase risk.

Treatment

Stomach Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Esophagitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.