Esophageal diseases can derive from congenital conditions, or they can be acquired later in life. Many people experience a burning sensation in their chest occasionally, caused by stomach acids refluxing into the esophagus, normally called heartburn. Extended exposure to heartburn may erode the lining of the esophagus, leading potentially to Barretts esophagus which is associated with an increased risk of adenocarcinoma most commonly found in the distal one-third of the esophagus. Some people also experience a sensation known as globus esophagus, where it feels as if a ball is lodged in the lower part of the esophagus. The following are additional diseases and conditions that affect the esophagus:

Achalasia
Acute esophageal necrosis
Barretts esophagus
Boerhaave syndrome
Caustic injury to the esophagus
Chagas disease
Diffuse esophageal spasm
Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal dysphagia
Esophageal varices
Esophageal web
Esophagitis
GERD
Hiatus hernia
Jackhammer esophagus (hypercontractile peristalsis)
Killian–Jamieson diverticulum
Mallory–Weiss syndrome
Neurogenic dysphagia
Nutcracker esophagus
Schatzkis ring
Zenkers diverticulum

References
External links

Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders, Merck & Company Inc.
Expression of mRNA for the seipin protein is high in the brain, yet low in adipose tissues. Additionally, patients which have mutations in this protein have a higher incidence of mental retardation and lack mechanically active adipose tissue, which is present in those with AGPAT2 mutations. Type 3
Type 3 CGL involves a mutation in the CAV1 gene. This gene codes for the Caveolin protein, which is a scaffolding membrane protein. This protein plays a role in lipid regulation. High levels of Cav1 are normally expressed in adipocytes. Thus, when the CAV1 gene mutates the adipocytes do not have Cav1 and are unable to properly regulate lipid levels. Type 4
A mutation in the PTRF gene causes Type 4 CGL. This gene codes for a protein called polymerase I and transcript release factor. One of the roles the PTRF product has it to stabilize and aid in formation of caveolae. Thus, the mechanism is similar to Type 3, in that the caveolae are unable to properly form and carry out their role in lipid regulation in both. Types 3 and 4 are two different mutations but they share a common defective pathway. Diagnosis
Medical diagnosis of CGL can be made after observing the physical symptoms of the disease: lipoatrophy (loss of fat tissues) affecting the trunk, limbs, and face; hepatomegaly; acromegaly; insulin resistance; and high serum levels of triglycerides.