Stomach and esophageal cancer care

Comprehensive prevention, detection and treatment for people with stomach, esophagus, upper gastrointestinal and small bowel cancer

Allina Health offers a complete range of care aimed at preventing, detecting and treating cancers of the stomach, esophagus, upper GI tract and small bowel.

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What it is

Cancer of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes stomach, esophagus and small bowel cancers. These cancers usually develop slowly and may go undetected for many years. Changes often happen first in the inner lining of your stomach and esophagus. Most of these are adenocarcinomas. Cancer can develop in other places within the stomach and esophagus with different symptoms.

Symptoms of stomach cancer include:

anemia
bloody or tarry stools
chronic diarrhea or constipation
discomfort in your upper abdomen
feeling full or bloated after a small meal
indigestion and heartburn
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
unintended weight loss

Signs of esophageal cancer include:

chronic cough
difficult or painful swallowing (dysphagia)
high levels of calcium in the blood
hoarseness
pain, pressure or burning in the throat or chest
persistent hiccups

Good for preventing

Screening and prevention:

Avoid smoking and use of smokeless tobacco.
Consult with your doctor to treat chronic heartburn/GERD, or if you have a family history of esophageal or stomach cancer.
Drink in moderation
Lose weight and eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Wash your hands before eating or after using the bathroom to avoid H pylori, the bacteria that causes most ulcers.

Good for detecting

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects you may have stomach cancer you likely will be referred for one or more of these tests:

barium swallow
biopsy
blood work
bronchoscopy
chest X-ray
CT scan of the chest and abdomen
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with biopsy
endoscopic ultrasound
MRI
other diagnostic tests
PET scan

If your doctor suspects you may have esophageal cancer, you may be referred for one or more of these tests:

bronchoscopy
CT scan
endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or enso sonography
esophagoscopy
laryngoscopy
MRI
PET
thoracoscopy
video endoscopy
X-ray

Treatment

Your cancer care team will work with you to develop your cancer treatment plan. The plan is unique to your medical diagnosis, pathology and preferences. Your plan could include any of these cancer treatment options.

chemotherapy
radiation therapy
surgery

Together, you and your health care team will create an individualized plan based on your health, your cancer stage and your needs.