Patient care

Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or behind the chest are common problems. There are several causes including gastro-oesophageal reflux, where acidic stomach contents go back up into the gullet causing irritation and inflammation. Peptic ulcers in the stomach or just beyond in the duodenum may also cause these symptoms. People with these symptoms sometimes worry they have stomach cancer. Fortunately this is quite unusual and easily excluded by endoscopy where the upper part of the gut is viewed with a flexible telescope called an endoscopy.

It is important to seek prompt assessment if you unintentionally lose weight, have problems swallowing, develop unexplained anaemia, bring up blood or pass sticky dark altered blood in your stools.