The esophagus, also called the food pipe, is the muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. Its inner lining can be affected by acid reflux, infections, and other conditions. When tissue is removed from the esophagus, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the esophagus. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Some conditions are cancerous, some are precancerous (not cancer, but a change that can increase the risk of cancer over time), and many are caused by inflammation or infection. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the esophagus
These diagnoses are cancers that develop in the esophagus. The two main types are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The articles explain how each cancer is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
Adenocarcinoma is one of the two main types of esophageal cancer. It develops from gland-forming cells, usually in the lower esophagus. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report says adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, or you have a history of Barrett’s esophagus.
Intramucosal adenocarcinoma is an early form of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The cancer cells have grown only into the inner lining and not into the deeper layers. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions intramucosal adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the two main types of esophageal cancer. It develops from the flat cells lining the esophagus. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report says squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
Precancerous changes
These diagnoses describe changes in the lining of the esophagus that are not cancer but can increase the risk that cancer develops over time. They are usually monitored or treated to lower that risk. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Barrett’s esophagus is a change in which the normal lining of the lower esophagus is replaced by a different type of lining. It is not cancer, but it slightly increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions Barrett’s esophagus or intestinal metaplasia, or you have long-standing acid reflux.
Low grade squamous dysplasia is an early precancerous change in the flat cells lining the esophagus. The cells look mildly abnormal but are not cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions low grade squamous dysplasia of the esophagus.
High grade squamous dysplasia is a precancerous change in which the flat cells lining the esophagus look very abnormal. It is not cancer, but it carries a higher risk of becoming cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions high grade squamous dysplasia of the esophagus.
Inflammatory and infectious conditions
These diagnoses describe inflammation or infection of the lining of the esophagus, a group of conditions known as esophagitis. They are not cancer. The articles explain what each diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
Reflux esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus caused by stomach acid backing up from the stomach. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions reflux esophagitis, or you have heartburn or acid reflux (GERD).
Erosive esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus severe enough to wear away part of the lining. It is most often caused by acid reflux. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions erosive esophagitis.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the esophagus caused by a type of immune cell called an eosinophil. It is often linked to allergies. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions eosinophilic esophagitis, or you have trouble swallowing or food getting stuck.
Candida esophagitis is an infection of the esophagus caused by a yeast called Candida. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions Candida esophagitis or a yeast or fungal infection of the esophagus.
CMV esophagitis is an infection of the esophagus caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is most common in people with a weakened immune system. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions CMV or cytomegalovirus esophagitis.
Herpes simplex esophagitis is an infection of the esophagus caused by the herpes simplex virus. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions herpes simplex esophagitis or HSV esophagitis.
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