Esophageal cancer accounts for about 1% of cancer cases diagnosed in the country. That is, nearly 17,000 adults are diagnosed with this form of cancer. The exact cause of esophageal or esophagus cancer is not known. However, there are certain factors that increase the risk of cancer. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD have a higher risk due to repeated damage to the esophagus.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine primarily. The condition forces the individual vertebrae of the spine to fuse together. The bone fusion also affects the nearby bone mass, including one’s rib cage, resulting in an abnormal joining of bones. Spondylitis commonly results in pain, stiffness, and inflammation right from one’s neck to the lower back area.

A type of arthritis, spondylitis or SpA is commonly known as osteoarthritis. It is caused due to slow wear and tear of the spine. This slow wearing and tearing are also known as degenerative changes. These changes in the spine are caused by bone spurs and degenerating intervertebral discs located in the back.

An inflammatory condition, ankylosing spondylitis affects the joints of the spine. It is triggered by severe inflammation of the spinal joints that, in turn, causes immense chronic pain and discomfort. As a result of the fused vertebrae, the spine becomes less flexible and its structure may change to form a hunched posture.

Cancer is said to have metastasized when the cancerous cells spread to the other parts of the body. The signs and symptoms of this disease depend on what other organ has been affected by the rogue cells. If breast cancer metastasizes, it typically affects organs like the bones, brain, lungs, and liver.

Breast cancer is a disease in which the breast cells grow uncontrollably. There are different types of breast cancer based on the breast cells that turn malignant. Breasts are made of three main parts—connective tissues, ducts, and lobules. Lobules are the mammary glands that produce milk, and the connective tissue is made of fibrous and fatty tissues that hold the breast together.

A chronic digestive disorder, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located between the esophagus and the stomach. It occurs when bile or stomach acid flows into the esophagus and irritates the esophageal lining. People with GERD often experience heartburn or acid reflux. This condition is quite common, but it can be a cause for concern if a person suffers from acid reflux frequently.

Major depressive disorder or clinical depression has a negative effect on how a person feels, thinks, and reacts. It causes a perennial feeling of sadness accompanied by a loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. Moreover, it causes a number of emotional and physical problems that can decrease the affected person’s ability to function normally.