Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

eschar 1
The scab that is formed when a wound
or skin is sealed by the heat of cauterization or
burning.
2
The dark crusted ulcer (tache noire)
at the site of the chigger (mite larva) bite in scrub
typhus.
Escherichia coli
See 
E. coli.
esophageal
Related to the esophagus.
esophageal cancer
A malignant tumor of the
esophagus. The risk of cancer of the esophagus is
increased by long-term irritation of the esophagus,
such as from smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and
Barrett esophagitis. Very small tumors in the esoph-
agus usually do not cause symptoms. As a tumor
grows, the most common symptom is difficulty in
swallowing. There may be a feeling of fullness, pres-
sure, or burning as food passes down the esophagus.
Cancer of the esophagus can also cause indigestion,
heartburn, vomiting, and frequent choking on food.
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esophageal cancer
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Because of these problems, weight loss is common.
Esophageal cancer can be diagnosed through a bar-
ium X-ray study of the esophagus and endoscopy and
biopsy of the tumor. Treatment includes chemother-
apy and sometimes surgery.
esophageal reflux
See 
gastroesophageal reflux
disease.
esophageal speech
Speech produced with air
that is trapped in the esophagus and forced out
again.
esophageal stricture, acute
A narrowing or
closure of the normal opening of the swallowing
tube that leads to the stomach, usually caused by
scarring from acid irritation. Acute, complete
obstruction of the esophagus occurs when food
(usually meat) is lodged in the esophageal stricture.
This causes chest pain and inability to swallow
saliva. Attempts to relieve the obstruction by induc-
ing vomiting at home are usually unsuccessful.
Patients with complete esophageal obstruction can
breathe and are not at risk of suffocation.
Endoscopy is usually used to retrieve the obstruc-
tion and relieve the condition.