Everything you Need to Know .. Jargon Buster
Welcome to our Jargon Buster, a friendly, easy-to-use guide to help you make sense of the medical terms you may hear when learning about reflux, Barrett’s oesophagus, or oesophageal cancer.
This resource has been shaped with the help of both healthcare professionals and people with lived experience, and we’re truly grateful for their time, insights, and support.
We hope it helps you feel more informed, confident, and supported on your journey.
Symptoms, Functional Conditions & Clinical Signs
Functional motility disorder causing difficulty swallowing. Muscles in the oesophagus (esophagus) do not work normally causing difficulty swallowing and feeling of a blockage.
Backflow of stomach acid into gullet / food pipe/ oesophagus (esophagus), towards the throat; can cause heartburn. The gullet is not designed to have acid in it so causing the symptoms of GORD.
Entry of food or fluid into the airway during swallowing; can occur with dysphagia.
Backflow of bile from the small intestine up through the stomach and sometimes into the oesophagus (esophagus), causing irritation or inflammation.
Pain not related to the heart, often from oesophageal spasm or severe reflux.
Indigestion, upper abdominal discomfort. A word that is derived from pepsia meaning digestion and includes bloating , pain and nausea. It is a word that can be misinterpreted and it is important to make sure in a conversation that both parties really understand what is meant and what the symptoms actually are.
Difficulty swallowing.
Feeling full after eating only a small amount; may indicate upper gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction or tumour.
Generalised tiredness and weakness, both physically and mentally, common in illness.
Stomach inflammation causing discomfort. Usually diagnosed on gastroscopy may cause symptoms or not.
Feeling of a lump or foreign body in the throat without actual obstruction; can occur with reflux or anxiety.
Bad breath, sometimes from food stasis in oesophagus (esophagus) or infection.
Burning sensation in chest from reflux.
Herniation of stomach through diaphragm; can cause reflux or discomfort. A hernia is when something (organ or tissue) pushes through a weakness into a place it should not be. So a hiatus hernia is when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. They can cause no symptoms or serious ones. In the case of hiatus hernia commonest issue is that it enables reflux as the valve at the top of the stomach does not work properly.
Continuous hiccups can be caused by irritation of the diaphragm from tumour or reflux.
Voice changes, for example a rough or raspy voice. may indicate reflux or tumour (tumour).There are numerous causes of which the commonest is probably viral sore throat or chest infection. There are other cause including tumours and reflux. Persistent hoarseness (more than 2-4 weeks) especially over 45 yrs old would warrant an urgent assessment by your GP.
Upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea; overlaps with dyspepsia. Like dyspepsia important to explain exactly what symptoms you have as this word may be used to cover many symptoms by different people.
Black, tarry stool from bleeding in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Malena is black and tar like with a distinctive bad smell. It is usually caused by bleeding from the stomach or nearby, where the blood has passed through the stomach and been partly digested. Bleeding from lower down in your intestines is more likely to be red and blood like.
Feeling sick. Common with reflux, obstruction, or after certain treatments.
Painful swallowing.
Chronic cough, can indicate reflux or tumour (tumour). If you develop a new cough for more than 2 weeks it is a good idea to see your GP.
Backflow of food or liquid from oesophagus (esophagus). When the contents of your stomach fluid or food comes back up into your mouth without nausea, to distinguish it from vomiting.
General term for backflow of stomach acid, and sometimes contents, into oesophagus (esophagus).
Common with reflux, obstruction, or after certain treatments.
Unintentional loss of body weight. Unintentional loss of body weight is when you lose weight without change in diet or exercise. Often defined as loss of 1/20th of your weight. It is something that should be taken seriously and you should see your GP.
Anatomy (Body Parts)
Outermost connective tissue layer of the oesophagus (esophagus).
Upper portion of the stomach at the junction with the oesophagus (esophagus).
Opening in the diaphragm through which the oesophagus passes; site of hiatal hernias.
Functional and anatomical meeting point of oesophagus and stomach; key landmark in reflux disease.
Innermost tissue layer lining the gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus (esophagus); protects underlying tissue. The mucosa is the normal soft tissue lining of canals within the body such as cheeks, guts.
Muscle layer of the oesophageal wall responsible for peristalsis – the automatic wave-like movement of the muscles that line your gastrointestinal tract. Peristalsis moves food through your digestive system, beginning in your throat when you swallow and continuing through your oesophagus, stomach and intestines while you digest.
Hollow space/cavity inside the oesophagus (esophagus) through which food and fluid passes.
Innermost lining of the oesophagus (esophagus), part of normal anatomy.
Wave-like muscle contractions that move food down the oesophagus (esophagus).
Anatomical region linking throat and larynx (voice box). Refers to the area in the throat around the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (back of throat connecting mouth to oesophagus).
Ring of muscle controlling food entry from the oesophagus (esophagus) into the stomach. Problems with the sphincter (valve) contribute to reflux.
Muscular tube connecting throat to stomach. Also known as gullet or food pipe.
Muscles controlling the entry and exit of food in the oesophagus (esophagus). Sphincters work like valves and are in other parts of the body, such as anus.
Transition point between squamous and columnar mucosa; corresponds to the Z-line.
Layer of connective tissue beneath the mucosa containing blood vessels and connective tissue. The connective tissue gives support to the oesophagus (esophagus).
Ring of muscle at the top of the oesophagus (esophagus) controlling entry from the throat.
The junction between oesophageal (esophageal) squamous epithelium and gastric glandular epithelium, visible on endoscopy. The cells in the oesophagus (oesophageal squamous cells) are one type and the cells in the stomach (gastric columnar cells) a different sort, both normal but different because of the different functions they do including protection. The Z line is where they change from one to the other. This is all normal but the shape and position of the z line can indicate a problem related to acid reflux, an irregular can be a sign of GORD and Barrett’s oesophagus.
Diseases & Conditions
Cancer arising from glandular cells in the lower oesophagus (esophagus), often linked to Barrett’s oesophagus (Barrett’s esophagus) and chronic acid reflux. Most common form of oesophageal cancer in Western countries. .The other sort of cancer is squamous which is the most common worldwide but less common in the UK.
Abnormal changes in the lining of the lower part of the oesophagus (esophageal)due to chronic irritation from acid reflux; increases risk of adenocarcinoma. Barrett’s oesophagus is a precancerous condition where the normal oesophageal (esophageal) lining changes to a glandular type due to chronic acid reflux; which increases risk of adenocarcinoma. Barrett’s is sometimes described as tongues or islands. Tongue of Barrett’s refers to a tongue like projection of abnormal pre-cancerous cells which occurs when the cells lining the oesophagus are replaced by those in the stomach. Islands of Barrett’s are patches of normal squamous cells found within the reddish pink Barrett’s segment of the oesophagus which is typically made-up of columnar cells found in the stomach.
Abnormal changes in cells that line the oesophagus (esophagus), considered precancerous. Low-grade indicates slight abnormal / early changes; high-grade indicates more abnormal with a higher risk of progression to cancer. Dysplasia is not cancer but if left untreated may turn into cancer. The progression that we are concerned with is normal cells to Barrett’s to dysplasia and finally cancer, this can take years and doesn’t always progress which is it needs to be monitored.
Allergic inflammatory condition of the oesophagus causing dysphagia.
Abnormal connection between oesophagus and airway, often from tumour erosion.
Chronic acid reflux causing symptoms or oesophageal (esophageal) damage. Backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus (esophagus), which can cause irritation, inflammation, and in chronic cases, contribute to Barrett’s oesophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).
A common type of bacteria that lives in the lining of the stomach. The bacterium can infect the stomach lining, causing gastritis, peptic ulcers, and contributing to dyspepsia (indigestion). May influence acid-related conditions affecting the oesophagus (esophagus). The bacteria is found in some people, in their stomachs, which can cause damage to the lining of the stomach including ulcers, equally lots of people have infection with no problems. If you are having a lot of acid symptoms and have the infection then often it is treated with antibiotics.
Abnormal cell growth confined to the epithelial layer of the oesophagus (esophagus), considered a precancerous stage. It is a more modern term for dysplasia.
This is reference the abnormal tissue found following an endoscopy. It can be harmless (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Enlargement of lymph nodes, which may indicate infection or spread (metastasis) of oesophageal (esophageal) cancer. You have 100s of lymph glands throughout the body, they are usually not noticeable but enlarge to infection and other conditions. Most people have experienced swollen glands with a sore throat which get larger and painful and then shrink away when the infection is cured.
Change in tissue type, such as normal squamous cells in the oesophagus (esophagus) converting to glandular cells, often seen in Barrett’s oesophagus (Barrett’s oesophagus). Metaplasia is not cancer.
Spread of cancer cells to distant organs (e.g., liver, lung).
General term for malignant tumours (tumours) of the oesophagus (esophagus). Includes adenocarcinoma (lower oesophagus) and squamous cell carcinoma (upper/mid oesophagus).
Inflammation of the oesophageal (esophageal) lining, which can be caused by acid reflux (reflux oesophagitis) or immune-mediated reactions (eosinophilic esophagitis).
Type of hiatal hernia where part of the stomach herniates alongside the oesophagus (esophagus).
Narrowing due to chronic acid injury and scarring.
Narrowing at the surgical join site after an oesophagectomy.
Inflammation of the voice box caused by reflux reaching the throat.
Cancer arising from flat squamous cells lining the upper or middle oesophagus (esophagus). More common in smokers, heavy drinkers, and in certain regions worldwide. Also see adenocarcinoma.
Narrowing of the oesophagus (esophagus) due to scarring, inflammation, or cancer, which can make swallowing difficult.
Classification system describing cancer size and spread: T = tumour size, N = lymph node involvement, M = metastasis (distant spread).
Open sores in the lining of the oesophagus (esophagus), often caused by reflux, infection, or cancer.
Dilated veins in the oesophagus (esophagus), often due to liver disease, which carry a risk of life-threatening bleeding. A bit like varicose veins in your legs they can be very enlarged and if they bleed you can bleed heavily.
Diagnostics, Tests & Imaging
X-ray study using barium to visualise the oesophagus (esophagus) and detect structural issues. Pictures are taken as you swallow and can see if there is blockage or abnormal swallowing as well as reflux.
Tissue sample analysis to diagnose inflammation, dysplasia, or cancer. Often taken during a gastroscopy (endoscopy) with small pincers threaded down and used to nip a small sample from the oesophagus (esophagus).
Swallowable camera capsule to visualise oesophagus (esophagus) and GI (gastro intestinal) tract. Usually used to look beyond the stomach all the way to the back passage, the capsule is about the size of a vitamin capsule and transmits images to a reciever worn by the patient. It takes aboiut 8 hrs to pass through the body.
Minimally invasive device swallowed to collect oesophageal (esophageal) cells for screening or surveillance. It is mainly intended to screen for Barrett’s or monitor patients with Barrett’s. You swallow a capsule on a thread. The capsule disolves in the stomach and releases a sponge like ball. This is pulled back up and collects cells. It can detect abnormal cells and also confirm that the capsule was within the stomach. If abnormalities are detected they can be confirmed by an endoscopy. Patients find the capsule sponge test more pleasant than an endoscopy.
Dye-enhanced endoscopy to highlight abnormal mucosal patterns.
Imaging to evaluate anatomy, detect tumours (tumours), and check for metastasis. CT scans use x rays and PET scans use a radioactive tracer.
Collecting cells from the oesophagus (esophagus) lining to check for abnormality. Cytology itself usually refers to the study of cells by a doctor to look for abnormalities including cancer.
Direct visualisation of oesophagus (esophagus), stomach, and duodenum; can detect oesophagitis, Barrett’s, and tumours (tumours). This involves passing a fiberoptic tube down into the stomach looking as you go and if necessary you can take samples to be examined. It can be performed with local anaesthetic to stop gagging or with sedation.
Removal of abnormal oesophageal (esophageal) tissue for diagnosis or treatment.
Advanced technique to remove deeper abnormal tissue in oesophagus (esophagus). This is done using an endoscope.
Ultrasound via endoscope (endoscopy) to assess tumour depth and lymph nodes. Ultrasound uses sound waves to give images of the body, this is often done from outside like in pregnancy, endoscopic ultrasound can be preferable to get better picture for some internal structures.
Screening for hidden GI bleeding; may prompt further oesophageal investigation.
Enhanced visualisation to detect abnormal mucosa. Generally uses special lighting or dye to help detect abnormalities.
Visualisation of the oesophagus (esophagus), stomach, and duodenum for diagnosis or monitoring, using a fibre optic scope.
Endoscopic dye technique to identify abnormal squamous mucosa.
Measures pressure and muscle function in the oesophagus (esophagus).
Combined specialist meeting for treatment planning.
Imaging to assess tissue structure and staging of tumours. Uses magnetic waves rather than x rays. May not be available to some people with metal implants or pacemakers.
Measures muscle contractions and function in the oesophagus (esophagus). The study checks that the muscles in the oesophagus are working how they should.
Laboratory analysis of tissue or cell samples to identify disease, inflammation, dysplasia, or cancer.
Measures acid exposure in oesophagus (esophagus) to diagnose reflux.
Endoscopic system for measuring / describing the extent of Barrett’s oesophagus (Barrett’s esophagus).
Minimally invasive procedure to check for cancer spread before surgery.
Ongoing follow-up of patients with conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus (Barrett’s esophagus) to detect progression early.
Blood tests that may help in cancer monitoring.
Treatments, Procedures & Therapies
Endoscopic procedure to widen strictures in oesophagus (esophagus). Used to stretch the eosophagus to make the size of the pipe bigger and relieve a blockage.
Systemic drug therapy to kill cancer cells. Systemic means throughout the body. Chemotherapy (chemo) is usually given into the blood or via the mouth and then ends up in the blood, so the drugs get to everywhere blood goes. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells by damaging them and stopping their growth.
Combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat cancer.
Freezing abnormal oesophageal (esophageal) tissue to destroy it.
Palliative care and symptom management for advanced disease. The focus of care is towards relieving distress and symptoms rather than cure.
Scheduled endoscopies to monitor Barrett’s oesophagus or post-treatment mucosa.
Multidisciplinary approach to optimise recovery after surgery.
Surgical repair of reflux or hiatal hernia by reinforcing the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). Can be done as key-hole surgery.
Medication that reduces acid production, often for mild reflux.
Combination chemotherapy regimen (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel) given before surgery to shrink oesophageal (esophageal) tumours and improve surgical outcomes.
Guidance on dietary adaptation post-surgery or during reflux control.
Treatment that stimulates the immune system to target cancer. Cancers are good at hiding from the body’s defences. Immunotherapy harnesses your own body to fight and kill cancer. The side effects tend to be different to standard chemotherapy. It is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer cells.
Neuromuscular training device that strengthens swallowing and throat muscles to help reduce reflux and improve swallowing function.
Minimally invasive surgical approach for oesophageal (esophageal) procedures, uses key hole surgery.
Implantable magnetic device to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and reduce reflux.
Surgical removal of part or all of the oesophagus (esophagus) using small incisions.
Provides nutrition when swallowing is impaired. May involve giving nutrition into the stomach or small bowel and bypassing the mouth and oesophagus.
Surgical removal of part or all of the oesophagus (esophagus) for cancer or severe disease.
Reconstructive surgery following oesophagectomy (esophagectomy) to restore continuity.
Focus on comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life.
Symptom relief for swallowing difficulty in advanced cancer.
Light-activated treatment to destroy abnormal tissue.
Medication reducing stomach acid production; cornerstone of reflux management.
Drug enhancing motility of oesophagus or stomach to improve emptying.
Uses heat to remove abnormal oesophageal (esophageal) tissue.
Uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgical removal of part or all of the oesophagus (esophagus), enhancing precision, reducing complications, and speeding recovery.
Surgical device designed to prevent reflux.
Support for swallowing and speech rehabilitation post-treatment.
Endoscopic placement to keep the oesophagus (esophagus) open in strictures or tumours. If there is a narrowing the stent can be inserted along with balloon dilatation so that the eosophagus narrowing is widened and then a tube put in place to keep it open.
Precision drugs targeting specific cancer markers.
Minimally invasive chest surgery for oesophageal (esophageal) procedures. .This involves access through the chest using key hole surgery.
Professional Guidelines & Organisations
Professional UK body providing guidance on gastrointestinal (GI) diseases including reflux and oesophageal cancer.
Nurse specialist providing care, education, and support for patients with oesophageal (esophageal) conditions.
Specialist in nutrition, crucial for patients with swallowing or weight loss issues.
An endoscopist is a specially trained doctor or healthcare professional who performs endoscopy procedures. They use a thin, flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope) to look inside the body, most commonly the oesophagus, stomach, and bowel, to check for problems, take biopsies, or treat certain conditions.
Physician specialising in diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including oesophagus (esophagus) and stomach.
NICE produces useful and usable guidance for the NHS and wider health and care system. They assess evidence and their recommendations help practitioners and commissioners get the best care to people, fast, while ensuring value for the taxpayer.
Evidence based recommendations and usable guidance, provided by NICE, for the NHS and wider health and care system, including for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions.
UK charity offering support and information for cancer patients.
A doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating cancer. They guide patients through their treatment options – such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery – and work closely with a wider healthcare team to provide personalised care and support throughout the cancer journey.
Specialist multidisciplinary team for oesophago-gastric cancer management.
A doctor who specialises in interpreting medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds, to help diagnose illnesses, monitor conditions, and guide treatments. They play a key role in identifying problems inside the body without the need for surgery.
A professional helping with swallowing and communication problems.
Surgeon specialising in operations gastrointestinal tract – including the oesophagus (esophagus) and stomach.