Achalasia is a risk factor for
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Achalasia is a motility disorder characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, resulting in difficulty swallowing and impaired movement of food from the esophagus into the stomach. Patients with achalasia have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This risk is due to chronic inflammation, stasis of food in the esophagus, and increased exposure of esophageal mucosa to irritants, all of which can contribute to the development of cancer over time. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Choice B) is less likely to be associated with achalasia because the impaired esophageal motility in achalasia results in decreased, rather than increased, reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Esophageal atrophy (Choice C) and malabsorption syndromes (Choice D) are not directly related to achalasia.