Esophageal and Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

The Esophageal and Stomach Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi brings together a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, oncologists and surgeons. Using the most sophisticated diagnostic tests, our team works together to provide an individualized care plan for each patient.

Esophageal and stomach cancer can affect swallowing and therefore impact quality of life. Therefore, we work alongside a team of supportive services, including nurses, pain management specialists, social workers and dieticians.

Why Choose Us?

We work in close collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic US’s esophageal cancer program, working together to explore the best medical and surgical options to ensure the most successful outcome for each patient.

Our multidisciplinary tumor board meets weekly to review each patient case individually. Specialists in thoracic and gastrointestinal cancer sit together to discuss clinical management decisions and tailor treatment plans to their patients’ needs, seeking to further improve cancer care. This tumor board and multidisciplinary approach to total care means our patients get the benefit of several expert opinions for their diagnosis, treatment, and overall care. We also work closely with the patient and their family to provide the best chance of cure with a focus on improving quality-of-life.

What We Treat

The Esophageal and Stomach Cancer Program treats the following conditions:

Esophageal cancer
Early esophageal cancer
Squamous cell esophageal cancer
Esophageal adenocarcinoma
Stomach cancer
Gastric cardiac cancers
Neuroendocrine tumors
Superficial esophageal cancer
Gastric submucosal tumors
Precancerous lesions of the esophagus
All tumors of the stomach including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)

Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Symptoms of Esophageal and Stomach Cancer

Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer can include:

Difficulty swallowing
Weight loss
Chest pain, pressure or burning
Indigestion or heartburn
Coughing or hoarseness

Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can include:

Difficulty swallowing
Feeling full and bloated after eating
Heartburn or indigestion
Nausea
Stomach pain and vomiting
Weight loss

Causes & Risk Factors of Esophageal and Stomach Cancer

Doctors don’t know what exactly causes esophageal and stomach cancer but there are several factors that might put you at an increased risk of developing either disease.

When the cells in the esophagus or stomach develop changes (mutations) in their DNA which cause them to divide out of control, it leads to cancer. These changes cause abnormal cells to accumulate and form a tumor, which can invade nearby structures and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

It is thought that persistent irritation in the esophagus might lead to changes which cause esophageal cancer. Factors that cause irritation include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Smoking
Being obese
Drinking alcohol
Precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus)
Bile reflux
Previous radiation therapy on the chest or upper abdomen

Factors that increase your risk of developing stomach cancer include:

GERD
Smoking
Obesity
A diet high in salty and smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables
Family history of stomach cancer
Long-term stomach inflammation (gastritis)
Stomach polyps
Infection with Helicobacter pylori

Prevention & Screening

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of esophageal and stomach cancer, including:

Stopping smoking: Smoking increases your risk of esophageal, stomach and many other types of cancer. Quitting can be difficult, so ask your doctor for support.
Maintaining a healthy weight: If you are overweight, aim to lose weight at a slow and steady rate.
Choosing a healthier diet: Aim to increase your fruit and vegetable intake and reduce the amount of salty and processed foods you eat.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing esophageal and stomach cancer. If you have a strong family history of either disease, they may recommend tests, such as endoscopy, to look for early signs.