Banner image

Stomach and esophageal cancer care

COMPREHENSIVE, EXPERT CARE IN THE PREVENTION, DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF STOMACH AND ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Allina Health offers comprehensive, expert care aimed at preventing, detecting and treating cancers of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes cancer of the stomach and esophagus. Your health care team will include experienced and compassionate providers who will work closely with you and each other through every step of your cancer care. 

Upper GI cancers often develop slowly and may go undetected for many years, as changes often happen first in the inner lining of your stomach and esophagus. Cancer can develop in other places within the stomach and esophagus with different symptoms. Symptoms may 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 
  • difficulty swallowing 

Learn more

Stomach and esophageal cancer care at Allina Health

At Allina Health, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for you as a whole person—not only treating your cancer but addressing your overall physical and mental well-being. We have an entire team of cancer care specialists who will work closely with you, which includes a dedicated nurse navigator, who will help coordinate your care and be your primary point of contact from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. 

To help you stay fully informed, we will connect you with tools to manage your care, including the Allina Health account, which allows you to track your appointments, review your test results, communicate with your healthcare team and more. 

Diagnosis of stomach and esophageal cancer

In the diagnosis of stomach and esophageal cancer, imaging tests may be used to determine the location and extent of the cancer. These tests may include:  

If your doctor suspects you may have stomach or esophageal cancer, you may have one or more of the following tests: 

  • blood work 
  • barium swallow – X-ray exam where a barium drink (a chalky liquid) is swallowed to help view the stomach more clearly on the X-ray 
  • biopsy – removal by needle or incision of a small amount of the tissue to examine under a microscope 
  • bronchoscopy – insertion of a flexible, lighted tube (bronchoscope) through the nose or mouth to look at your trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes 
  • endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – insertion of a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) and ultrasound probe through the mouth to examine the stomach. A biopsy may be done during this procedure. 
  • laryngoscopy – an exam of your throat and larynx (voice box) 
    • indirect – use of a light and mirror to look into the throat area 
    • direct – insertion a small, thin tube (scope) into nose or throat to view area and possibly remove small growths or take tissue samples  

Stomach and esophageal cancer treatment

Your cancer care team will work closely with you to develop your cancer treatment plan. The plan is unique to your type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the risk of the cancer coming back and your general health.  Your plan could include any of these cancer treatment options: 

Related links

Source: Allina Health
Reviewed by: Melissa Walls

First published: 5/28/2019
Last reviewed: 5/28/2019

Allina Health Everyday Clinic

This is a retail clinic location. We offer basic services for minor injuries and illnesses for patients 18 months and older. We do not see visits for workers' or injury compensation.

From the list below, please select the condition that best describes what you would like to be seen for. If you do not see what you are looking for, please visit an Urgent Care location or schedule a visit with your primary care provider.
I do not see my condition

Everyday On Wheels

Everyday On Wheels mobile clinic is not wheel chair accessible due to the size of the vehicle. Patients should be able to safely climb a short set of stairs to enter the mobile clinic.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and have your mobile phone available for the provider to contact you when they are ready to see you.

We've changed how we provide some services with your care and safety in mind. Expanded virtual care services are available to schedule online. You can also call your clinic for help finding the best option.

Have you been to an Allina Health clinic or hospital before?

If you're not sure, choose No.
;

What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
;

What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
;