_updates.jpg)
Kim Kardashian has received a disturbing update about her esophagitis diagnosis.
In the preview for the eighth season of The Kardashians, which premiered on Hulu at midnight on Thursday, October 8, the SKIMS founder is seen discussing her prognosis after being diagnosed with esophagitis.
She was told that by the time she's 60, she could be facing a "horrible" diagnosis.
Kim Kardashian's esophagitis diagnosis sparks fears
"In 15 years, you'll develop… I don't even wanna say it, but something horrible," Kim's voiceover reveals over footage of herself in a hospital bed that's being pushed through a corridor.
Previously, it was revealed in the trailer for the season that Km, 45, has been diagnosed with "something called esophagitis".
What is esophagitis diagnosis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, esophagitis is a "swelling and irritation, called inflammation, of the tissues that line the esophagus".
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD, is a leading cause of esophagitis, but it can also be caused by a buildup of white blood cells in the esophagus, or medication.
Esophagus concerns in the Kardashian clan
Kim has a heartbreaking connection to the diagnosis, as her father, Robert Kardashian, passed away at the age of 59 in 2003 due to esophageal cancer.
In another clip from the preview, Kim is seen lying in a hospital bed wearing a gown as someone off-camera asks, "Didn't your father... isn't it what he died of?"
Link between esophagitis and esophageal cancer
While esophagitis and esophageal cancer are not the same thing, Kim's condition can be associated with an increased risk of developing cancer.
According to the University of Washington's Division of Gastroenterology, chronic esophagitis is "very common" and can result from acid reflux.
The department highlighted that one in 10 reflux patients could develop Barrett's esophagus, "in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced by one prone to cancer".
