Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment In Noida
What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?
What are the types of Gastrointestinal Cancer?
There are several common types of gastrointestinal cancers, which are as follows:
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastric (stomach) cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
Where does Gastrointestinal Cancer start?
Esophageal cancer
There are two main types of Esophageal cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the upper or middle part of the esophagus. While Adenocarcinoma starts in the lower part of the esophagus.
Gastric (stomach) cancer
Stomach cancer may develop in any part of the stomach and further spread throughout the stomach including the small intestines, lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, and colon.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum.
Pancreatic cancer
Cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas. It is an organ in the abdomen that lies behind the lower part of your stomach.
Liver cancer
The most common form of liver cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma and begins in cells called hepatocytes.
What are the risk factors for Gastrointestinal Cancer?
Factors that increase your risk of developing Gastrointestinal Cancer include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Obesity
- Diet with salty and smoked foods
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori
- Long-term stomach inflammation (gastritis)
- Smoking
- Stomach polyps
Early Detection & Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Doctors use several tests to detect or diagnose gastrointestinal cancer. These tests also help to learn if cancer has spread to another part of the body from where it started.
- Medical History, Physical Exam, & Tests
- Biopsy
- Molecular Testing
- Endoscopy
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
- X-ray
- Barium swallow
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
- Laparoscopy
Signs & Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer rarely shows any symptoms in the early stage. Most Gastrointestinal cancers aren’t found until they’ve grown fairly large.
When cancer does show signs & symptoms, it may include:
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Vague discomfort in the abdomen
- Feeling full after eating a small meal
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting, with or without blood
- Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
- Blood in the stool
- Feeling tired or weak
- Yellowing of the skin & eyes (jaundice)
Treatments For Gastrointestinal Cancer
Local Treatments
Local treatments treat the tumor without affecting the rest of the body.
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
Systemic Treatments
The treatment uses drugs, which can be given by mouth or directly into the bloodstream.