Esophagitis and esophageal cancer can be differentiated in the following aspects.

First, in terms of symptoms, esophagitis generally presents with symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, pain behind the sternum, belching, and upper abdominal pain. The main symptoms of esophageal cancer, on the other hand, are generally difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing, and this symptom progressively worsens.

Second, regarding age, esophagitis can occur in any age group, while esophageal cancer is more common in elderly male patients.

Third, the best method of differentiation is through gastroscopy. Under gastroscopy, esophagitis can be diagnosed with findings such as mucosal erosion, congestion, and edema of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer, however, generally appears in the middle or upper or lower segments of the esophagus, and a diagnosis can be confirmed by performing a biopsy.