Oesophageal and Stomach Cancer
This page provides an overview of Oesophageal Cancer and Stomach Cancer
Oesophageal cancer
The oesophagus is part of the digestive system, also known as the gastro-intestinal tract (GI tract). The oesophagus is a muscular tube that squeezes together to move food down the oesophagus into the stomach.
Cancer can develop in the oesophagus. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer; squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. Knowing the type of oesophageal cancer you have helps your cancer doctor plan your treatment.
Stomach cancer
The stomach is in the upper left-hand side of the tummy area (abdomen). It is a stretchy, muscular bag, which stores food and helps to break it down.
Cancer can also develop in the stomach and is sometimes referred to as gastric cancer. The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma.
What to expect from initial appointments
Your initial appointment will most likely be in the Upper Gastrointestinal MDT clinic which happens every Thursday afternoon shortly after the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting where all these cancers are discussed.
You will meet one of the surgeons who will explain the diagnosis, results of tests and the plan for your further investigation and treatment. You will also meet the cancer nurse specialist and the specialist dietitian. The team is there to give you understandable information and answer any questions you may have.
What to expect from diagnostic tests and investigations
These cancers are usually diagnosed following various tests. Your medical team may request some of the following tests and investigations:
Endoscopy
Often the first test you will have will be an endoscopy. This is a test that looks at the lining of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel) using a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera at the end. This can identify any abnormal areas and enable them to remove small samples of tissue (biopsies). Endoscopies can also be used to give treatment.
If the biopsy results from your endoscopy show there are cancer cells, you will see a specialist doctor. This will be a surgeon who specialises in oesophageal and gastro-intestinal cancers. Your specialist doctor or nurse will arrange further tests.
These are to find out:
- which layers of the oesophageal wall the cancer is in
- if it has spread outside the oesophagus
CT scan
A CT scan takes a series of x-rays which build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan usually takes 5-10 minutes. You will need to lie still whilst the bed moves slowly back and forward through the donut-shaped scanner.
PET scan
A PET scan uses low-dose radiation to check the activity of cells in different parts of the body. It can provide more detailed information about the cancer and any further spread. For the scan, a radiographer will inject a radioactive substance into a vein about an hour before the scan. The amount of radioactive substance used is very small. The scan usually takes about 30-60 minutes and works similarly to a CT scan.
EUS (endoscopic ultrasound)
This is like an endoscopy, but the end of the endoscope has an ultrasound probe on it. The probe uses sound waves to produce images of the wall of the oesophagus and surrounding structures, which provide further detail on the spread of the tumour.
Staging laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is a small operation used to look at organs inside your tummy (abdomen). The surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera on the end, called a laparoscope. They may also take biopsies.
What are the treatment options and what you can expect
Surgery
This is to remove the cancer or relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be given before and after surgery. It can be given on its own, with radiotherapy (chemoradiation) or with targeted therapy. It may also be used for people who cannot have surgery (palliative treatment).
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to treat cancer. It may be given in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation). If the cancer is more advanced, you may have radiotherapy on its own to shrink the tumour and help control symptoms.
More information about treatment for Oesophageal Cancer and Stomach Cancer
Contact your team
- UGI CNS team (oesophagogastric): 0300 422 6222
- Cancer Support Workers: 0300 422 5374 / ghn-tr.uppergihnateam@nhs.net