What is Oesophago-Gastric Cancer?
Oesophago-Gastric (OG) cancer is the medical term for tumours which occur in the oesophagus (otherwise known as the gullet or food pipe) and the stomach.
As with most cancers, early diagnosis is key to successful treatment
Signs & symptoms can include:
- Difficulty getting food down – feeling like it’s getting stuck in your chest or you have to bring it back up
- Pain when swallowing food
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating normal amounts
- Unintentional or unexplained weight loss
- Burping a lot
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Indigestion or heartburn
- A new and persistent cough
- Hoarseness of the voice
If a diagnosis of OG cancer is suspected you are likely to be referred for an endoscopy, where a biopsy will be taken, and a CT scan.
How is OG cancer diagnosed?
How is OG cancer investigated?
If you have been diagnosed with OG cancer your case will be referred to the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) team and discussed in a specialist meeting. Depending on the discussion, the team may recommend further tests including:
- PET-CT scans
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Laparoscopy
- Brain scan
- CPX (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test)
Your specialist team will be on hand to arrange these tests in an appropriate time frame. They can also give you more information about the tests and guide you through the results. They will also arrange an appointment for you to see an appropriate specialist in clinic.
How is OG cancer treated?
Treatment plans will vary depending on the tumour and the person they are affecting.
Treatments may include: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery or a combination of these.
Local treatment centres
Within Surrey & Sussex there are a number of hospitals where investigations and tests may be carried out. However, treatment is limited to specialist centres.
Your local surgical centre is: Royal Surrey Foundation Trust in Guildford
Surgery to treat OG cancer is complex and specialist but also relatively rare. Research has shown that having a fewer number of specialist surgical centres can improve outcomes for patients. It may mean you have to travel some distance to the hospital, but by having one team who work with this type of surgery and have developed knowledge and experience of how to safely manage it we can ensure the best outcomes for you.
Oncology treatment centres
Chemotherapy is delivered at: Royal Surrey Cancer Centre in Guildford, Amberley Unit at Worthing Hospital, Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton and Pevensey Ward at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
Radiotherapy is delivered at: Royal Surrey Cancer Centre in Guildford, Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton and at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
