Esophageal & Gastric Cancer

What Are Upper GI Cancers?

Esophageal and gastric cancers together form the group called Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers. Though their origins differ, they share similar risk factors and symptoms, and are increasingly seen in Southern India.

With rising western dietary habits, there's been a 400% surge in adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction and proximal stomach — making awareness and early detection more important than ever.

Know the Risk Factors

You may be at risk if you:

Lead a sedentary lifestyle
Consume a high-calorie, salty, sugary, or processed diet
Have chronic acid reflux or motility disorders
Carry infections like H. Pylori, HPV, or EBV
Have a family history of gastric or esophageal cancers

Good News:
A daily 40-minute walk + a wholesome, natural diet can cut your risk by up to 90%.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Seek evaluation if you experience:

Dysphagia – difficulty swallowing solids or liquids
Dyspepsia – indigestion or bloating
Vomiting – especially persistent or food-related
Black-colored stools – a sign of internal bleeding
Weight loss despite good appetite
Early satiety – feeling full after small meals
Abdominal pain or bloating in later stages

Don’t wait! Even a week of indigestion or swallowing difficulty deserves an endoscopy.

How I Evaluate Patients

When you come to me with symptoms, I start with:

Clinical abdominal examination – to assess liver, spleen, and bowel health
Upper GI Endoscopy – to examine the esophagus, stomach, and esophagogastric junction
If any suspicious lesion is seen, we perform a biopsy
On confirmation of cancer, we do a contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to assess spread

Treatment: Team-Based, Tailored, and Targeted

All patients are supported by a multidisciplinary team including:

Team

Surgical oncologist
Medical oncologist
Radiation oncologist
Nutritionist
Rehabilitation and palliative care specialists

Early Stage

Treatment Plans Based on Stage – Early Stage Disease

Surgery first – to remove the tumor

Followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy (as needed based on pathology)

Advanced Stage

Treatment Plans Based on Stage – Advanced Stage Disease

Begin with preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to shrink the tumor

Then proceed with surgical removal of the affected organ or part

Surgical Approaches: Precision Meets Recovery

Traditional Open Surgery

Involves incisions through the abdomen or chest based on tumor location. Effective and time-tested, especially for complex or advanced cases.

Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic or Robotic)

With modern instruments and robotic systems, we can perform cancer surgeries with:
Enhanced precision
Minimal blood loss
Faster recovery
Less postoperative pain
Shorter hospital stay
These techniques are now becoming the standard of care for upper GI cancers, especially in expert hands.

Nutrition Comes First

Before starting any treatment, our expert nutritionists focus on nutritional rehabilitation to strengthen the body and improve surgical and recovery outcomes.

💬 Facing Upper GI Symptoms or Diagnosis?

Let’s not delay. Whether it’s a second opinion or comprehensive care, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from diagnosis to recovery—with clarity, compassion, and cutting-edge expertise.

Meet Dr. Pradeep

Surgical Oncologist | Upper GI & Robotic Cancer Surgeon

Specialist in Esophageal & Gastric Cancer Surgery

Book your consultation today for early diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and better outcomes.