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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Achalasia and Esophageal Cancer?

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Achalasia and esophageal cancer are two distinct conditions that affect the esophagus. Here are the main differences between them:

Achalasia:

  • Achalasia is a chronic condition that occurs when the valve between the esophagus and the stomach does not open properly, preventing food and liquid from passing into the stomach.
  • The main symptom of achalasia is difficulty swallowing liquids, and it may also cause reflux-like symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and pain with swallowing.
  • The cause of achalasia is unclear, and it is not well understood why some people with achalasia develop esophageal cancer.
  • Diagnosis of achalasia typically involves endoscopy, x-rays of the esophagus, and tests to measure pressure within the esophagus.
  • The most effective treatment for achalasia involves cutting the sphincter muscle, either surgically or endoscopically, to allow food to pass through the esophagus.

Esophageal Cancer:

  • Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the esophagus, with the main histologic types being esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
  • The prevalence of ESCC in subjects with esophageal achalasia is 26 in every 1,000 cases, whereas the prevalence of EA is 4 in every 1,000.
  • Patients with achalasia have a 50 times higher risk of presenting with ESCC than the general population, and the disease manifests 20–25 years after achalasia symptom onset.
  • Esophageal cancer in patients with achalasia is usually seen after 10 years of follow-up, and 71.3% of the patients who developed cancer were over the age of 60.
  • The relationship between achalasia and esophageal carcinoma is not entirely understood, and there is considerable variation in the documented risk of ESCC in achalasia.

In summary, achalasia is a chronic condition that affects the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, while esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the esophagus. Achalasia can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer, particularly ESCC.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Achalasia and Esophageal Cancer?
  • Comparative Table: Achalasia vs Esophageal Cancer

    • Comparative Table: Achalasia vs Esophageal Cancer

    Here is a table comparing the differences between achalasia and esophageal cancer:

    Feature Achalasia Esophageal Cancer
    Definition Achalasia is a medical condition where the esophagus becomes paralyzed and dilated over time, making it difficult for food to pass through. Esophageal cancer is a medical condition where malignant cells form in the tissues of the esophagus.
    Prevalence Achalasia is a relatively rare condition with an annual incidence rate of 0.5–1.2 per 100,000 people. Esophageal cancer affects more than 450,000 people worldwide and is the eighth most common cancer globally.
    Gender Distribution Men and women are equally affected by achalasia. Women are affected more than men in esophageal cancer.
    Esophageal Disorders Achalasia is a chronic medical disease that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer can be an infrequent complication of achalasia, with several studies reporting a range of 0.4% to 9.2%.
    Risk Factors The relationship between achalasia and esophageal carcinoma is not entirely understood, but there is evidence that achalasia is the result of autoimmune mechanisms. Risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain dietary habits.

    In summary, achalasia is a chronic medical condition that can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. While both conditions affect the esophagus, achalasia is characterized by the paralysis and dilation of the esophagus, whereas esophageal cancer involves the formation of malignant cells in the esophageal tissues.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.