Which specialist treats oesophageal cancer?

The team may include a gastroenterologist, upper gastrointestinal surgeon, medical oncologist, clinical oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, dietitian and specialist nurse. They review endoscopy and biopsy findings, scans, swallowing symptoms and general fitness. Difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion or unexplained weight loss can have several causes, so they should be assessed rather than used to predict cancer. Barrett's oesophagus may also require specialist surveillance.

Ask your doctor for referral to an upper gastrointestinal cancer service. Take medication details, previous endoscopy reports and a clear account of swallowing or eating changes. The team may discuss further imaging, nutritional support, radiotherapy and surgery such as oesophagus removal surgery. The order of treatments depends on biopsy results, tumour location, stage and your health.

Get emergency help if you vomit blood, pass black stools, cannot swallow liquids, develop severe chest pain or become faint. Arrange prompt medical review for worsening difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting or unexplained weight loss. Vomiting blood is a red-flag symptom that needs urgent assessment, whatever its cause.

Ask which specialists are on your team, what the biopsy and scans show, and whether nutrition support is needed before treatment. Discuss the aim and sequence of radiotherapy or oesophagus removal surgery, possible effects on eating, and which symptoms require urgent contact.