Heartburn/GERD Health Center

Glossary of Heartburn Terms

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Stomach (gastric) cancer: Disease in which cancer cells are found in the lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach to other organs.

Swallowing problems: Swallowing and esophageal disorders may be temporary, or they may be an indication of a serious medical problem. Swallowing disorders have many causes, including nerve and muscle problems, head and neck injuries, and cancer, or they may occur as the result of a stroke. Most are not related to serious problems and can be treated with medications.

Trocar: A sharp, pointed instrument used to make a puncture incision in the abdominal wall. Used for placement of cannulas.

Ultrasound: A test used to diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions in which high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, are transmitted through body tissues. The echoes vary according to the tissue density. The echoes are recorded and translated into video or photographic images that are displayed on a monitor.

Upper endoscopy: A test used to evaluate the upper digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. During the test, a thin scope with a light and camera at its tip (endoscope) is used to examine the inside of the upper digestive tract.

Vomiting: The forcible expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth which usually occurs with symptoms of nausea. Vomiting is not a disease but a symptom of many conditions.

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