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Thickening,what is it?

C.O.
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I had a barium meal a few weeks ago and was told results were ok.  This week i received a phone call explaining that i had thickening from top of oesophagus to bottom of stomach,i have to have a gastroscopy now to find out what is causing the thickening. When i asked nurse what thickening was,she said she didnt know thats why im having gastroscope.  Im worried that its cancer. Plesse can you explain anything about thickening? 

Thank you

C.O.

  • Hello and thanks for your post 

    I’m sorry to read about your situation and it is very normal to be worried when undergoing further tests, but try not to over think things too much until you find out more.

    Oesophageal thickening means that the oesophagus is slightly enlarged. This could be dues to oesophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 

    But further tests are needed to establish the cause, and although cancer becomes a bit more of a possibility just because all cancers get more common as we age. So it is taken seriously and properly looked into but it can have nothing to do with cancer.

    I know waiting when you are worried is stressful, but hopefully you'll know more soon. Give us a ring if you want to talk any of this over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

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