Hiatus hernia is usually a rather benign medically problem, well resolved by hygiene measures and drugs to protect the esophageal lining.

However, with persistent, untreated esophageal pain and burning, the risk of chronic esophagitis increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Continuous irritation and burns at this level damage the mucous membrane. That said, most esophageal cancers are more related to alcohol and tobacco than to reflux esophagitis from a hiatus hernia.

Dr. Catherine Solano