Oncology for gastrointestinal or liver cancer care

Who Should See an Oncologist?

An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating cancer. You might need to see an oncologist if you have symptoms that could be caused by cancer and your doctor isn’t able to rule it out by identifying another cause. Symptoms that could be signs of gastrointestinal cancer include difficulty eating food or defecating, bleeding along the gastrointestinal tract, pain, and lumps or swelling. The effects will depend on the type, size, location and stage of the cancer. In some cases, your GP, gastroenterologist or another specialist may be able to diagnose the cause of these symptoms as cancer before you see a cancer specialist. However, you will still need to see an oncologist. The oncologist can help with the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and management of cancer, including all kinds of gastrointestinal cancers.

Gastrointestinal cancers include some of the most common cancers in the UK. Many different parts of the digestive system can be affected, including the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, bowel and anus.

How Our Oncologists Can Help

If you are diagnosed with gastroenterological or liver cancer, the doctor who is in charge of your care will be one of our oncologists. Your oncologist can:

> Diagnose gastrointestinal cancers

> Assess your condition, including the stage of the cancer

> Arrange treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery

> Monitor your condition as you undergo treatment

> Manage any complications or side effects you experience

> Provide information, advice and support

Our oncologists are highly trained specialists who are experts in all aspects of cancer care. The oncology services at the LGCL focus on gastrointestinal and liver cancer, so we have plenty of experience managing these types of cancer. The oncology service works closely with the other specialists at the clinic, including the radiologists who will perform your imaging tests and the gastroenterologists, liver specialists and surgeons who may provide additional treatment. Your oncologist will manage your care and coordinate between all of the other experts who are looking after you at the clinic. The goal will always be to ensure the best possible outcome for you. The oncologist will aim to eliminate the cancer if possible or to manage your symptoms and maintain the best quality of life for as long as possible.

Seeing an Oncologist

You will usually be referred to an oncologist by another doctor if you have symptoms that may be caused by cancer or if you have been diagnosed with cancer. If you need to see an oncologist about gastrointestinal or liver cancer, you will easily be able to make an appointment at the LGCL clinic in London.

During your appointments with the oncologist, you will spend some time talking about your symptoms, any test results the doctor has received, and how you are feeling. Depending on your needs, the oncologist may perform some checks, advise you on your diagnosis and treatment options, or recommend was to tackle pain or side effects. The oncologist will also help with treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. The treatment approach will depend on the type and stage of cancer as well as your health. You may need to be referred to other specialists, but the oncologist will oversee your care and continue to provide support.

If you need to see a specialist about a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer, get in touch to arrange a consultation with an experienced oncologist in London.