Treatment of Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
What is gastroesophageal junction cancer?
Gastroesophageal junction cancer (GOJ) is a rare type of cancer of the esophagus, but the number of cases of GOJ cancers within the United States is rising. The gastroesophageal junction is where the esophagus connects to the stomach. This area is vital to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, causing reflux. Oftentimes, stomach, esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer are difficult to tell apart; however, research has shown that GOJ cancers are a separate type of cancer.
What are the risk factors for gastroesophageal junction cancer?
Although the cause of gastroesophageal junction cancer is unknown, there are some risk factors that can increase the chance of developing GOJ. These risk factors may include:
- Obesity.
- Having chronic gastroesophageal reflux.
There are specific risk factors associated with each type of GOJ. Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk of type 1 GOJ. There is little understanding as to what causes type 2 GOJ cancers. In contrast, infections, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), can increase the chance of developing type 3 GOJ.
What are the signs or symptoms of gastroesophageal junction cancer?
Similar to the symptoms of esophageal cancer, the most common symptoms or signs of gastroesophageal junction cancer include the following:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Chronic indigestion or heartburn.
If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your health care professional. Other symptoms may include pain in the throat or behind the breastbone, chronic cough, hoarseness, coughing up blood, tiredness, and dark bowels.
What tests are utilized to diagnose gastroesophageal junction cancer?
Health care professionals will arrange testing based on the present symptoms. Typically, the testing will consist of a gastroscopy, which will be assessing the inside of the esophagus, the stomach, and part of the small bowel. During the test, the doctor will take samples of tissue and biopsy any of the abnormal-looking areas.
If you are diagnosed with GOJ cancer, you will likely have the following tests performed: endoscopic ultrasound, CT scan, PET-CT scan, and laparoscopy.
What are treatment options for gastroesophageal junction cancer?
The Gastrointestinal Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will consider a number of factors - including the staging, your general health, and the type of GOJ cancer - when deciding on an individualized treatment plan.
Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer. When it comes to world-class cancer care close to home, look no further than Karmanos.
Information includes gastroesophageal junction cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.