What is stomach and esophagus cancer?

The esophagus is the food pipe. It carries food from your throat to your stomach. The stomach holds food and starts to break it down. Cancer starts when cells in the lining of these organs grow out of control. Over time, the cancer can grow deeper into the wall. It can also spread to lymph nodes, the liver, the lining of the belly, or other places.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Not able to swallow liquids or your own saliva; Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; Black, tarry, or bloody stools; Severe belly pain, or a belly that is swollen and hard; Vomiting with no bowel movements or gas (possible blockage); Chest pain, trouble breathing, or new choking or coughing when you eat or drink; Not able to eat or drink or keep fluids down for a day, or signs of dehydration like dizziness and very little urine; Your feeding tube falls out, is blocked, or the skin around it is red, painful, or leaking; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood; Swelling or pain in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath; If it feels very bad, call 911.

What chemotherapy plans are used for stomach and esophagus cancer?

Common treatment plans include FLOT. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Stomach and esophagus cancer

Treatment for stomach and esophagus cancer has improved, and your care team will build a plan around your tumor and your needs.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through stomach and esophagus cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What this cancer is

Let's start with the basics. The esophagus is your food pipe. It carries food from your throat to your stomach. Cancer starts when cells in the lining grow out of control. Over time, it can grow deeper or spread. Cancers of the lower esophagus and the stomach are often treated alike. That is why we talk about them together. Long term acid reflux, smoking, and heavy drinking raise the risk. Eating and swallowing are often affected. Your care team will help with eating well, too.

The main types

Let's talk briefly about the types. Squamous cell cancer starts in the upper and middle esophagus. Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus usually starts lower down. It is linked to long term acid reflux. Some cancers start right where the esophagus meets the stomach. Stomach adenocarcinoma is the most common stomach cancer. A diffuse type spreads through the wall instead of forming a lump. A rare form runs in families. Some other stomach tumors are different diseases. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. An upper endoscopy uses a thin tube with a camera. You get medicine to relax. The doctor takes small samples. A biopsy confirms the cancer and its type. An ultrasound on the scope shows how deep the tumor goes. A CT scan looks for spread. A PET scan can find spread a CT may miss. A short surgery with a camera checks the lining of the belly. Tumor tests help choose medicines. A dietitian checks your weight and swallowing.

What the stage means

Next up, let's talk about stages. The stage tells how deep the tumor has grown into the wall. It also tells if it has spread. Stages go from 0 to 4. Why do doctors use stages? They help your team decide if surgery is possible. They help choose which treatment comes first. They also help everyone talk the same language. Very early cancers can often be removed through a scope. Your doctor will explain what your stage means for you.

Tumor markers and gene tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Biomarkers are features of the tumor. They help choose treatment. Everyone with advanced stomach or esophagus cancer should have this testing. There are many different markers. Each one has a different role. Some open the door to targeted medicines. Others show if immunotherapy may help. Your doctor will tell you which markers you have. They will also explain what they mean for you. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatment options

Now let's look at treatment. Very early cancer can be removed through a scope. Surgery can remove part of the esophagus or stomach. Chemotherapy is often given before and after surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given together. Immunotherapy helps your immune system attack the cancer. Targeted medicines help when the tumor has certain markers. Stents and other help can make swallowing easier. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team if one is right for you.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Trouble swallowing is common. Soft, moist foods and small bites help. Weight loss is common too. Small meals with extra protein help. Nausea medicines work well when taken as directed. One chemotherapy can make cold things feel painful. Avoid cold drinks for a few days after each dose. Low blood counts raise infection risk, so call for a fever. After stomach surgery, food can move too fast. Smaller meals help. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well with it

Last, let's talk about living well. After surgery, most people learn to eat smaller meals more often. A dietitian can help. If your stomach was removed, you may need vitamin B12 for life. You will have regular visits, tests, and scans. Stopping smoking helps you heal. It is normal to feel worried or down. Support groups and counselors can help. Call right away for a fever, or if you cannot swallow liquids. Also call for vomiting blood. If it feels very bad, call 911. Also see our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. That was a lot, and you took it one step at a time. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time something worries you. You are not alone in this.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills
Not able to swallow liquids or your own saliva
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Severe belly pain, or a belly that is swollen and hard
Vomiting with no bowel movements or gas (possible blockage)
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or new choking or coughing when you eat or drink
Not able to eat or drink or keep fluids down for a day, or signs of dehydration like dizziness and very little urine
Your feeding tube falls out, is blocked, or the skin around it is red, painful, or leaking
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood
Swelling or pain in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath
If it feels very bad, call 911.

Treatment plans (regimens)

FLOT

Medicines often used

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is stomach and esophagus cancer?: The esophagus is the food pipe. It carries food from your throat to your stomach. The stomach holds food and starts to break it down. Cancer starts when cells in the lining of these organs grow out of control. Over time, the cancer can grow deeper into the wall. It can also spread to lymph nodes, the liver, the lining of the belly, or other places.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Not able to swallow liquids or your own saliva; Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; Black, tarry, or bloody stools; Severe belly pain, or a belly that is swollen and hard; Vomiting with no bowel movements or gas (possible blockage); Chest pain, trouble breathing, or new choking or coughing when you eat or drink; Not able to eat or drink or keep fluids down for a day, or signs of dehydration like dizziness and very little urine; Your feeding tube falls out, is blocked, or the skin around it is red, painful, or leaking; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with blood; Swelling or pain in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath; If it feels very bad, call 911.
What chemotherapy plans are used for stomach and esophagus cancer?: Common treatment plans include FLOT. Your care team picks the plan that fits your cancer and your health.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.