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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
Your journey to diagnosis and treatment
During your consultation, your consultant will discuss any symptoms you are experiencing, diagnostic test results you have already had, and advise on the most appropriate next steps, this may include further 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
London, Birmingham and Manchester
Our locations
From complex oesophageal surgery to a range of cancer care treatments and procedures, we provide exceptional upper gastrointestinal care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital
Grafton Way Building 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8DU London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.