Back

Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Moderate
4
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Esophageal Cancer

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. It can cause inflammation and damage in many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood cells, and nervous system. Symptoms and severity vary considerably among individuals.
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.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blisters Itching Red Eyes Swollen Lymph Nodes
Only in Right Disease
Hoarseness Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Autoimmune Disorder Genetics
Only in Right Disease
Alcohol Smoking

Diagnosis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed using a combination of symptoms, physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Blood tests may include antinuclear antibody testing and other tests for immune-system activity. Urine and kidney tests may be used to look for organ involvement. No single test can establish lupus in every person, so clinicians consider the overall pattern of findings.
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.

Prevention

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus cannot currently be prevented in every person. People with lupus can reduce disease flares by following prescribed treatment, protecting the skin from excessive ultraviolet exposure, avoiding smoking, maintaining regular medical follow-up, and learning to recognize symptoms that may indicate increased disease activity.
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.

Risk Factors

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus include genetic susceptibility, female sex, certain family histories, exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, some infections, and particular medications. The disease is more common in women of childbearing age, although lupus can occur in people of any age or sex.
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.

Treatment

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Esophageal Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.