Radiation Oncology Associates
 
 

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Upper Gastrointestinal Program

Types of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers:

 

Esophagus

  • Together with thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, advanced endoscopist, interventional radiologists and pathologists, we provide state-of-the-art treatment options and clinical trials for patients affected by esophageal cancer.

 

Stomach

  • There are several different types of stomach cancer. This information is about the most common type, adenocarcinoma of the stomach, which starts in the glandular cells of the stomach lining.
  • Treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the position and size of the tumour and whether it has spread beyond the stomach, as well as your age and general health.

 

Pancreas

  • Pancreatic cancer is not common and is rare in people below the age of 50.
  • The most common symptoms are pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, and jaundice. However, most pain in the abdomen is not caused by cancer of the pancreas.
  • Treatment for pancreatic cancer includes surgery if the cancer is small, and chemotherapy. An important part of the care of all people with pancreatic cancer is the use of treatments to control symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.

 

What should you expect from treatment?

 
Your specialist will have discussed and chosen an appropriate course of treatment and could include one of or a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and drug therapy (medical oncology).
 

Radiation therapy


Usually the radiation, following the simulation and planning appointment, is given daily 5 days a week over a period of about 5 weeks. Each appointment takes only 15-20 minutes. As with all programs, these figures are a guideline only and you should speak with your medical advisers as to the program best suited to you.
 

Medical Oncology

 
Chemotherapy is usually given as a series of sessions of treatment. Each session is followed by a rest period. The session of chemotherapy and the rest period is known as a cycle of treatment. A series of cycles makes up a course of treatment. Each session of chemotherapy destroys more of the cancer cells, and the rest period allows the normal cells and tissues to recover.
 

Healthy cells in certain parts of the body are especially sensitive to chemotherapy drugs; these parts of the body include: 

  • the bone marrow (which makes blood cells)
  • the hair follicles
  • the lining of the mouth
  • the digestive system.
     

Oncology surgery

Surgery as a treatment modality is quite tumour specific and therefore we recommend information should be sought from your specialist regarding oncology surgery.

 

How to make a referral?

A referral can be made to one of the Upper Gastrointestinal tumour program members directly or via phone/ email through our Contact Us page.