Cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction

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Switzerland

  • Surgery Department
    The Division of Digestive Surgery
    Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4
    1205 Geneva - Suisse


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    Monday to Friday from 9:30 am -11:30 am and from 14:00 pm - 16:00 pm

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Christian Toso
Professor
Christian Toso
Head of Division

Cancers of the gastro-esophageal junction are tumors developed at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach . There are of three types (according to Siewert´s classification) which are classified according to their location.

Symptoms and diagnosis of cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction

The predominant symptoms of cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction are dysphagia , or inability to ingest food, and unexplained weight loss.

The diagnosis of cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction and the determination of the type of tumor require various examinations, such as gastroscopy with biopsies, endoscopy , CT scan of the thorax and the abdomen, as well as a PET-scan in some cases. A surgical exploration by diagnostic laparoscopy may also be necessary. 

Surgical treatment of cancer of the gastro-esophageal junction

The treatment strategy is discussed during the tumor board . When tumor removal is possible, surgery is the treatment of choice. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy  prior to surgery with or without neoadjuvant radiotherapy  can be proposed.

The type of cancer determines the type of intervention: 

  • For type 1 tumors, total esophagectomy  is proposed.
  • Type 2 tumors are usually treated like type 1 tumors.
  • For type 3 tumors, total gastrectomy with removal of the distal part of the esophagus is recommended.

Post-operative chemotherapy may be recommended.

INFO +  Cancer Center

Dysphagia
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Difficulties in swallowing food which may cause pain or a sensation of mass.
Endoscopy
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Method to visualize the internal organs and cavities for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, carried out using an endoscope, a tube to which the end is attached to a lamp and a camera
INFO + Echo-endoscopy (FR)
Tumor board
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A meeting between specialists from several disciplines related to cancer, to determine the best possible treatment for each patient. 
INFO +  The Digestive Cancers Program
Esophagectomy
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Ablation surgery of the esophagus
Gastrectomy
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resection of a part of the stomach
Last update : 09/07/2024