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Upper gastrointestinal cancer
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers include cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, liver or biliary system. We provide expert diagnosis, treatment and care for all types of upper GI cancer
Types of upper GI cancer
Oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the gullet, the tube that connects the stomach to the mouth. There are two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Stomach cancer
About 95 per cent of stomach cancers are adenocarcinoma, meaning they start in the glands of the stomach lining. We’re able to provide specialist care for all stomach cancers.
Pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is part of the digestive system and sits in the upper part of the abdomen. There are various types of pancreatic cancer, the most common being ductal adenocarcinoma.
Gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare form of upper GI cancer that most commonly occurs in people over 70.
Need to know
During your consultation, your consultant will discuss any symptoms you are experiencing and advise on the most appropriate diagnostic tests. Symptoms will vary depending on the type of cancer you have but common symptoms of upper GI cancers may include:
- unexplained weight loss
- loss of appetite
- difficulty swallowing
- abdominal pain
- changes in bowel habits
It is important to remember that these symptoms can be related to other health conditions but it is important to rule out cancer quickly.
There are a number of different tests used to diagnose upper GI cancers. Your consultant will advise you on the most appropriate tests, which may include:
- MRI scan
- PET-CT scan
- EUS (endoscopic ultrasound)
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
- Biopsy
If you are diagnosed with a form of upper GI cancer, your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. At HCA UK you will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team, including expert consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), allied health professionals and other cancer specialists. This team will work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your medical needs.
The treatments we offer for upper GI cancers include:
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- surgery
Our Upper gastrointestinal cancer consultants
Dr Philip Woodland
Gastroenterology
Dr Adam Humphries
Gastroenterology
Professor Stuart Bloom
Gastroenterology
Dr Voi Shim Wong
Gastroenterology
Our Upper gastrointestinal cancer locations
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
LOC at Chelsea
102 Sydney Street SW3 6NJ London
LOC at The Harley Street Clinic
81-83 Harley Street W1G 8PP London
Private Care at Guy's
London Bridge Hospital Private Care at Guy's SE1 9RT London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.