Upper GI cancer information for patients

Tests and treatment options

We have access to a wide range of state of the art diagnostic procedures. Tests that you may have include:

• gastroscopy (a camera that can see inside your body)
• an ultrasound scan
• a CT scan

Our treatment of upper GI cancers may involve:

• surgery, including advanced laparascopic (keyhole) surgical techniques
• chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Symptoms

If your GP thinks your symptoms may be due to upper GI cancer, you will be given an appointment to see one of our specialists within 2 weeks.

It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should see your GP who may refer you for further investigation.

• Symptoms of oesophageal cancer

  The most common symptom of cancer of the oesophagus (gullet) is difficulty swallowing, with a feeling that food is getting stuck on its way to the stomach.  You may also experience:

  • abdominal pain or discomfort
  • vomiting
  • hoarseness of the voice
  • a chronic cough

• Symptoms of stomach cancer

  Symptoms of stomach cancer can include:

  • difficulty swallowing
  • continuous indigestion or heartburn
  • bloating
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • unexplained weight loss
  • anaemia caused by bleeding from the stomach wall
  • blood in the stools, which may make your stools appear black

• Symptoms of liver cancer

  Liver cancer may be primary (cancer which starts in the liver) or secondary (cancer which has spread to the liver from another part of the body). There are often no symptoms in the early stages, but where present there may be:

  • pain or discomfort caused by expansion of the liver
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • bloating due to a build up of fluid in the abdomen
  • extreme tiredness
  • unexplained weight loss

• Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

  There may be no symptoms in the early stages of cancer of the pancreas, but as the disease progresses there may be:

  • abdominal pain or discomfort
  • unexplained weight loss
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

• Symptoms of cancer of the bile ducts

  Cancer of the bile ducts will often block the flow of bile into the digestive system, allowing it to flow back into the bloodstream causing jaundice. There may also be:

  • abdominal discomfort
  • a loss of appetite
  • sudden high temperatures
  • unexplained weight loss