Chemoembolization has been tested on some other types of tumors, but shows the most promise in the treatment of liver tumors. Heartburn Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, results when the acidic contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Reflux disease results not from an excess of stomach acid but from improper functioning of the muscular sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When functioning normally, the sphincter opens only when a person swallows and otherwise remains tightly contracted to prevent the acidic contents of the stomach from backing up into the esophagus. Reflux disease typically causes feelings of tightness or burning in the upper abdomen or chest area caused by the contact of stomach acid with the sensitive mucosal cells lining the esophagus.
Symptoms are usually worse when lying down or when the abdominal area is under pressure.
Sometimes there is a regurgitation of a small amount of stomach contents. Data gathered by the American Cancer Society show that esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 12,500 Americans this year and that 12,200 will die from it. Although usually considered a disease of older men, in recent years the age has been dropping, with some cases occurring in the 40's and 50's. Most cases are not detected before the disease has spread to surrounding lymph nodes. According to a study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, chronic heartburn can greatly increase the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.