Certain conditions and diseases are found to increase the risk of developing primary disease. The most prominent among them is the GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease which when found in persons for a longer time can make the persons prone to disease. It is health condition in which the stomach acid manages to get in to the esophagus from the stomach causing heartburn
(a burning sensation felt in the mid region of the chest). The acid that enters the esophagus form stomach can damage the esophagus's mucosa, this is especially high in the lower third region. The esophageal squamous cells are replaced by glandular cells (abnormal) which are very resistant to acids. This condition is called as barrett's esophagus.
Persons affected by barrett's esophagus are more prone to developing a kind of esophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma. Hence persons suffering from barrett's esophagus are required to be monitored thoroughly and closely by specialist doctors. But it should be kept in mind that not all persons who have barrett's esophagus can get primary esophageal cancer as only one percent have the chances of getting this cancer.
Sometimes the abnormal cells seen in persons who also have barrett's esophagus can get into a pre cancerous stage called as dysplasia. Such persons have the risk of getting adenocarcinoma fifty times more than persons who are suffering from dysplasia. Achalasia is a health condition which occurs when the sphincter situated at the lower end of the esophagus is unable to relax to its original position. This condition can prevent the passage of liquids and foods into stomach. This condition might be due to the nerve cells found in the esophagus's lower end becoming defective. Nearly six percent of patients suffering from achalasia can get primary squamous type esophageal cancer.
Tylosis is another health condition that can increase the incidence of esophageal cancer. But this is said to be a condition that is inherited which can result in the extensive top skin layer growth on the soles and palms. Scientists and experts believe that it might be because of the gene mutation. This too can result in the development of esophageal cancer. Nearly forty percent of patients who are suffering from tylosis have got esophageal cancer. Normally such patients are recommended to undergo monitoring procedures regularly and frequently. Esophageal webs are abnormal type of protrusions of the tissues which can result in esophageal cancer. Normally persons who have abnormalities in particular organs like spleen, tongue and fingernails can get esophageal webs.