Category: E

A narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat and stomach) that may lead to dysphagia. Esophageal stricture occurs as a result of the accumulation of scar tissue in the esophagus, as in persistent esophageal reflux. Scarring and narrowing can also be due to prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),…

A condition in which acid from the stomach flows up into the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal reflux, which may affect about 15 million Americans, is also known as acid reflux, reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is the most common symptom of esophageal reflux.  

An outward bulge in the esophageal wall. There are three types of esophageal diverticula: the pharyngeal pouch, which must be surgically removed; the midesophageal diverticulum, which usually cause no symptoms and require no treatment; and the epiphrenic diverticulum, which are associated with disturbances in the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus.  

Widening of the esophagus. The esophagus, part of the digestive tract, is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal dilation may be performed to relieve blockage from noncancerous conditions that block the esophagus but cannot be removed. Scarring and narrowing may occur due to prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),…

A rare and severe birth defect in which an infant is born missing part of the esophagus (the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach). In esophageal atresia, there is no passageway to the baby’s stomach. Because the baby cannot swallow, food is regurgitated back into the mouth. If a segment of the…

A closed sac filled with oily or fatty fluid and debris; also known as a sebaceous cyst. Epidermal cysts commonly develop on the face, neck, upper chest, and back. They are usually benign (not cancerous) and do not require treatment. However, in some cases, epidermal cysts grow large and painful or become infected. Treatment is…

A fluoroscopic x-ray examination of the small intestine using a contrast medium. In fluoroscopy, the gastrointestinal organs deep within the body can be seen as images projected onto a computerlike screen or monitor. Injection of a nutrient or medicinal liquid into the bowel.  

A cyst formed when endometrial tissue, which typically forms the lining of the uterus, becomes attached outside the uterus, usually to an ovary. Symptoms include pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, irregular or delayed menstrual periods, or a dull ache or feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen. Endometriomas, sometimes called chocolate cysts because of their…

A spongy growth attached to the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) by a stalk that protrudes into the uterine cavity and sometimes through the cervix and into the vagina. Symptoms may include cramping, irregular menstruation, and bleeding after intercourse. If the polyp has become twisted or injured, it may become infected, producing a foul-smelling…

An overgrowth of the lining of the uterus. Thought to result from a relative excess of estrogen and sometimes considered a precancerous condition, this condition is easily treatable at all ages. Its most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In the realm of reproductive health, there exists a condition wherein the endometrium, the lining of…