Oesophageal and stomach cancer

The oesophagus is part of the digestive system, also known as the gastro-intestinal tract (GI tract). The oesophagus is a muscular tube that squeezes together to move food down the oesophagus into the stomach. The stomach is in the upper left-hand side of the tummy area (abdomen). It is a stretchy, muscular bag, which stores food and helps to break it down.

Cancer can develop in the oesophagus. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer; squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. Knowing the type of oesophageal cancer you have helps your cancer doctor plan your treatment.

Cancer can also develop in the stomach and is sometimes referred to as gastric cancer. The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma.