stomach Cancer

[Crinkles2020]

hi everyone, I suffer with stomach issues. The usual gastritis/oesophagitis. Long story short. Looking for guidance really. My Mum had stomach cancer and then got another primary in her Oesophagus at the same time. Sadly gone. But I am getting full easy when I eat, pain in stomach, bringing food back up and very fatigued. It is finding the balance between how long to let it go! I told my GP and he knows family history and just says oh nothing to worry about. I have only had heartburn before. What is the best test to have if I pay private? A Ultrasound? Any advice will be appreciated. By the way I am not a worrier. Just know to be alert. Thanks .

[petercaron]

You talk of gastritis/oesophagitis. Have you ever had an endoscopy? Or a Catscan of your chest and abdomen?

[Judley]

I would start with an endoscopy and ask for some biopsies to be taken of osephagus and stomach given the history. Hopefully anything will be picked up there. Following that they might wish to do another scan - CT or MRI but I think an endoscopy will find whatever is wrong. You don't need to go private you can insist to the GP to expedite an endoscopy as it's affecting your quality of day to day life. If they haven't got one in a nearby hospital they also offer NHS within Spurs hospitals and clinics where I had mine and are very thorough. Hope that helps

[Judley in reply to Judley]

That should have read Spire hospital not spur! Autocorrect!

[Tanktank]

Dear Crinkles

Much may depend on where you are (UK, Aus, USA etc), how old you are and the severity of your symptoms. How bad are your stomach issues? Are you on PPIs and do you need constant doses of antacids (Gaviscon etc) to alleviate reflux. Does your reflux also cause loss of voice and shortness of breath? Also do you have difficulty swallowing? If these are your symptoms then demand an endoscopy from your GP or go private. Your GP is probably right that your symptoms don’t demand further diagnostic tests yet but the NHS is in such a mess that you may get missed (I nearly was and only by being pig headed did I get an endoscopy and an immediate diagnosis of late stage oesophageal cancer) so keep asking. Good luck.

[Vitex]

Can you get a second opinion? For the diagnosis of my stomach and oesophageal cancers it was a gastroscopy and a CT scan so maybe they are what you need for reassurance? Good luck

[Molly14]

hi - I’d definitely be getting an endoscopy and to be fair with the history there you should get one through the NHS - failing that we went private for an endoscopy when I had swallowing issues - we got a referral to a BUPA hospital and had it done within days.

[ArtPepper1]

As a first step, perhaps you should change your doctor (“Oh, nothing to worry about.” Really?) Good luck

[PopandMo]

I agree with some other comments-definitely be more demanding about getting g an endoscopy- I’m a bit surprised your gp isn’t more helpful! Hope all goes well.

[KnitterMel]

HiI would be getting this checked out immediately. It may be nothing but digestion issues but you've got to rule out anything more serious before it's too late.

My issue (squamous cell carcinoma oesophageal cancer) was found with a CT scan. Nothing else picked it up. Can you not get another GP at your surgery to refer you or get a 2nd opinion, instead of going private. Especially with your family history, I suggest your GPs attitude is unacceptable at the very least.

You've got to get to the bottom of it and indigestion remedies are great for short term issues but if you've been on them for a while I suggest a more aggressive, investigative approach is needed to diagnose your issue. Better to address something early than leave it too late. Sorry if I'm worrying you, but it's better to deal with it early on.

Good luck

[Lab1]

yes I would get a ct scan as that’s how they found mine. Then they would do a endoscope. But I would push for those to be done as soon as possible. Even if for your peace of mind. Good luck

[Katzekatze]

Hello, I agree with the previous comments. I had similar issues. Getting full fast, weight loss, swallowing liquids or even soft foods started to hurt. I thought it was an ulcer. Started with an upper GI/endoscopy them CT. I would get a second opinion depending on the findings...Insist on these test, don't wait until it becomes more painful. I used to enjoy food very much, I decided to stay away from spicey, hard to chew and acidic foods. That gave a little relief. Get it done! The sooner the better! Wishing you all the best.