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Esophageal stricture - benign - Overview

Definition of Esophageal stricture - benign:

Benign esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) that causes swallowing difficulties.

Benign means that it is not caused by cancer. See also: Cancer of esophagus

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Esophageal stricture can be caused by:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
  • Injuries caused by an endoscope
  • Long-term use of a nasogastric (NG) tube (tube through the nose into the stomach)
  • Swallowing substances that harm the lining of the esophagus, such as household cleaners, lye, disc batteries, or battery acid
  • Treatment of esophageal varices
  • Reviewed last on: 12/13/2010
  • George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Ginsberg GG, Pfau PR. Foreign bodies, bezoards, and caustic ingestions. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 25.

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