Stomach (Upper GI)
Stomach cancer is a general term that covers cancers found in the digestive (upper gastrointestinal) system, including stomach, oesophagus, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
These are relatively uncommon types of cancer in the UK.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer, sometimes called gastric cancer, is one that starts anywhere inside the stomach or the stomach wall.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Heartburn or acid reflux that doesn’t go away
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Feeling or being sick
- Lump or pain at the top of the tummy
- Fatigue
These symptoms could be less serious gastrointestinal diseases or conditions, and you might get used to them, but it is important you speak to your GP if your symptoms change, get worse or do not feel normal to you.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the location and stage of your cancer. The main treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
Your treatment plan may have a combination of these.
Oesophageal cancer
Commonly known as the food pipe or gullet, the oesophagus connects your mouth to your stomach. The signs of cancer can be hard to spot. Oesophageal cancer is mainly diagnosed in people aged over 60.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn or acid reflux that doesn’t go away
- Burping a lot
- Hoarse voice
- Weight loss
- Pain in your throat or behind breastbone
These symptoms could be less serious gastrointestinal diseases or conditions, and you might get used to them, but it is important you speak to your GP if your symptoms change, get worse or do not feel normal to you.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the location and stage of your cancer. The main treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Chemoradiotherapy
Your treatment plan may have a combination of these.
Pancreatic cancer
Your pancreas, located at the top of the tummy, helps you to digest food and produces insulin and other digestive juices. Pancreatic cancer may not have any symptoms or appear vague, making it hard to spot.
Symptoms
- Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
- Itchy skin
- Darker than normal pee
- Paler than normal poo
- Feeling or being sick
- Changes to your poo (constipation or diarrhoea)
- Pain in tummy or back which gets worse when eating, lying down or bending forward
- Feeling bloated
These symptoms could be irritable bowel syndrome, and you might get used to them, but it is important you speak to your GP if your symptoms change, get worse or do not feel normal to you.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the location and stage of your cancer. The main treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
Your treatment plan may have a combination of these.
Liver cancer
Your liver is a large organ at the top right side of the tummy and helps you digest food and remove toxins
Symptoms
- Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
- Itchy skin
- Darker than normal pee
- Paler than normal poo
- Feeling tired
- A lump or pain in the right side of your tummy
- Feeling unwell, like you have flu
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen tummy
These symptoms could be less serious conditions but it is important you speak to your GP if you have any of these symptoms.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the location and stage of your cancer. The main treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Target cancer drugs
Your treatment plan may have a combination of these.
Gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder cancer is quite rare in the UK and is sometimes called biliary cancer. It might not have any symptoms, making it hard to spot.
Symptoms
- Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
- Itchy skin
- Darker than normal pee
- Paler than normal poo
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- Feeling or being sick
- A lump or pain in your tummy
These symptoms could be less serious conditions but it is important you speak to your GP if you have any of these symptoms.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the location and stage of your cancer. The main treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
Your treatment plan may have a combination of these.
Support and more information available
NHS
Stomach cancer
Oesophageal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Liver cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Cancer Research UK
Stomach cancer
Oesophageal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Liver cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Macmillan
Stomach cancer
Oesophageal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Liver cancer
Gallbladder cancer