Penn Medicine Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders
The Penn Medicine Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders offers a coordinated, comprehensive approach to treat esophageal disorders, including:
- Achalasia: A disorder affecting the ability of the esophagus to move food into the stomach.
- Barrett's esophagus: A disorder in which the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: An allergic inflammatory disease comprised of elevated eosinophils in the esophagus despite acid blocking treatments.
- Esophageal cancer: Though relatively uncommon in the United States, esophageal cancer occurs when there is a malignant tumor in the esophagus — the tube that carries food to the stomach.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): A condition that occurs when a muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close properly, allowing stomach contents to leak back — or reflux — into the esophagus and irritate it.
- Hoarseness: Difficulty producing sound to speak or a change in the pitch or quality of the vocal chords — usually caused by inflammation of the larynx, but sometimes indicating a more serious problem.
Millions of Americans complain of heartburn and acid reflux, or have difficulty swallowing. These mouth, throat or esophagus problems may be caused by:
- Malfunctioning of physical structures.
- Damage to the nerves or muscles coordinating swallowing.
- Physical obstruction.
Left untreated, swallowing and esophageal disorders can lead to serious problems. Early diagnosis and intervention are very important.
The multidisciplinary team at Penn includes:
Some esophageal disorders can be precancerous conditions. The Penn Medicine Center for Esophageal Disorders works closely with the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania to provide a seamless continuum of care for patients.
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
Fourth Level, Suite 4-370S
3400 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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