Advanced care for esophageal and stomach cancer
When you choose Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Care, you get a team of experienced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer doctors in Milwaukee and surrounding communities in Southeast Wisconsin. Our gastroenterologists, oncologists and surgeons share best practices and the latest in esophagus and stomach cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you.
Advanced care for conditions that affect your stomach and esophagus
At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we have doctors who specialize in esophageal cancer and stomach cancer. Stomach pain and discomfort can be a symptom of (gastric) cancer. Other symptoms can include: feeling bloated after eating, heartburn, loss of appetite and nausea. Symptoms of esophageal cancer can include excessive hiccups, trouble swallowing, throwing up food with streaks of blood, vomiting bloody mucus, and weight loss for no reason.
Talk to your doctor about how often and how long you have been experiencing any concerning symptoms.
Every appointment with your GI specialist starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We will help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the way, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to home, family, life and self sooner.
Advanced treatments and therapies for esophagus and stomach cancer
Our specialists deliver advanced treatments and therapies for many types of GI cancers, including stomach and esophageal cancer:
- Chemotherapy, anti-biologic therapy and immunotherapy: Medical oncologists provide drug treatments that are right for you, at convenient locations that are close to home. Our medical oncologists may also refer qualified candidates to our Ascension Research clinical trial coordinator in Wisconsin.
- Endoscopic treatments: Gastroenterologists may use endoscopic ultrasound technology to visually evaluate the lining of the stomach and esophagus and open blocked passages in and out of the stomach.
- Radiation therapy: Using precise mapping strategies, radiation oncologists can treat some stomach cancer tumors with high-dose external beam radiation. The shape of the radiation beam conforms to the shape of the tumor to reduce the radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
- Stent placement helps relieve esophageal obstruction: If your esophageal cancer has narrowed your esophagus, a surgeon may use an endoscope to insert a metal tube (stent) to hold the esophagus open.
- Surgery: Our experienced GI surgeons surgically remove tumors
Ascension Wisconsin cancer centers participate in ongoing clinical trials. To learn more, visit the Ascension Wisconsin Research Institute website .
Abdominal surgery for cancer with an enhanced recovery care plan
If your care plan includes surgery or stomach resection, surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin use the latest surgical techniques to help improve your recovery and quality of life. Your care team may also refer to enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatments, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Throughout your care, your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Meet our team
At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, our multidisciplinary team includes experienced doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of stomach and esophageal cancer. Our care team is supported by radiologists, pathologists and hepatologists. At Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Care, our approach helps you navigate all the tests, treatments and support services you may need.
Surgeons and physician assistants:
- Atuhani S. Burnett, MD, PhD, FACS, Chief of Surgical Oncology
- Xu Zhao, MD
- Maggie Gierahn, PA-C
- Hanna Olson, PA-C
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Interventional radiologists
- Gastroenterologists
Along the way, your care may require an endoscopic procedure, barium swallow study, imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, nutrition counseling or other specialists, including:
- Genetics – If you are high-risk or have a family history of cancer, we deliver genetic screening, testing and counseling to help you and your doctor better understand your risk for developing cancer.
- Support programs and resources – Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups and spiritual care. And, at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and their loved ones. The Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Survivorship Program has activities that support the whole you.
You do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected through in-person and virtual visits.
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Wisconsin. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with our care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support are available
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.
Cancer centers close to home
Southeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
- Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center (Racine, Wisconsin)
- Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Mayfair Road Cancer Care (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin)
- Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
- Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Ozaukee Campus (Mequon, Wisconsin)
- Reiman Cancer Center - Ascension Wisconsin Health Center - Rawson Avenue (Franklin, Wisconsin)
- Sherman Cancer Center - Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus (Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Northeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
- Ascension Calumet Hospital Cancer Care (Chilton, Wisconsin)
- Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center (Appleton, Wisconsin)
- Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center - Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)