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June 11, 2026
Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Esophageal and stomach cancer
Gastrointestinal surgeons and oncologists at Ascension Wisconsin deliver advanced care for stomach and esophageal cancer.
Advanced care for esophageal and stomach cancer in Wisconsin
Gastrointestinal surgeons and oncologists at Ascension Wisconsin deliver advanced care for stomach and esophageal cancer.
Esophageal and stomach care in Wisconsin
When you choose Ascension Wisconsin, 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.
Understand esophageal and stomach cancer
At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we have doctors who specialize in esophageal cancer and stomach cancer.
Esophageal cancer starts when cancer cells develop in the inner lining layer of the esophagus. As it grows, it moves deeper into the other layers of the esophageal wall making it hard to swallow.
Stomach cancer occurs when cancer cells develop in the different layers that make up the stomach. As cancer grows in the stomach it makes it hard to digest food.
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.
Esophageal and stomach cancer symptoms
Stomach cancer symptoms may include:
- Stomach pain and discomfort
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
Symptoms of esophageal cancer can include:
- Excessive hiccups
- Trouble swallowing
- Throwing up food with streaks of blood
- Vomiting bloody mucus
- Weight loss for no reason
How we diagnose esophageal and stomach cancer
Our oncology team uses advanced diagnostic tools and expertise to identify esophageal and stomach cancers or other concerning conditions to help create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
This imaging test uses X-rays to look at your upper GI tract above your stomach that includes the small intestines back of your mouth, throat and your esophagus. The study uses fluoroscopy and a drinkable substance called barium that shows how the barium moves through your GI tract in real time. The test helps your doctor find the cause for gastric symptoms to help with diagnosing cancer and other GI conditions.
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.
How we treat esophageal and stomach cancer
Our specialists deliver advanced treatments and therapies for many types of GI cancers, including stomach and esophageal cancer:
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.
If you want to learn more about other cancer care options or would like to participate in one of our ongoing clinical trials, talk to your doctor to see what is available for you.
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.
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.
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.
This treatment 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.
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.
Our experienced GI surgeons surgically remove tumors
How to get esophageal and stomach care
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.
Our locations that treat esophageal and stomach cancer
Southeast Wisconsin Cancer CentersAscension 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 CentersAscension 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)
Get a second opinion for esophageal and stomach cancer
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 for breast cancer at Ascension Wisconsin. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options..
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 they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support
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. Call an Ascension Wisconsin hospital near you. Learn more about our financial assistance program.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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