Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Skin Disorders of the Esophagus

All of these skin conditions are related to a malfunctioning immune system. An overactive immune system produces antibodies to cells and fibers in the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation.

In some cases, bullous pemphigoid can be triggered by a reaction to certain medications or to radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Diagnosing skin disorders of the esophagus

Disorders of the skin lining the esophagus are generally diagnosed with a biopsy taken during an endoscopy (a thin, lighted tube with a camera attached to it is passed through your mouth and esophagus). Your physician can look at pictures of your digestive tract and take a biopsy (tissue sample) for examination under a microscope.