Our body continually regenerates its cells by replacing damaged or dying old cells with new ones. A similar process occurs in the cells that line the GI tract and the ones present in the abdominal organs.
However, due to various reasons, if the dead cells aren’t replaced, they continue to multiply limitlessly and create clusters of lumpy tumors over the organ they belong to. When not diagnosed in time, these tumors grow and start to spread into the adjacent organs, affecting the entire digestive system.
GI Cancer Types
Stomach Cancer or Gastric Cancer: Also known as adenocarcinoma, these are tumors that develop from the cells lining the stomach’s inner wall.
Pancreatic Cancer:
Cancer from the different pancreatic cells that produce enzymes.
Colorectal Cancer: It develops anywhere throughout the large intestine, also known as the colon or the rectum.
Esophageal Cancer
Here, the cancer cells accumulate from the esophagus.
Liver Cancer
It is the tumor that develops from the liver cells.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
These cancerous tumors grow from the stromal cells in the intestine.
- Other less common types of GI cancers may include:
- Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Cancers
- Anal Cancers
- Small Intestine Cancers
GI Cancer Symptoms
Doctors say that most types of GI cancers are asymptomatic in their initial stages. The symptoms become apparent as the tumors spread. Also, the symptoms can vary depending on where they originated from. Some of the symptoms commonly seen in GI cancers may include:
- difficulty in swallowing food in the case of esophageal cancers
- Indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating, and stomach aches in the case of gastric cancers
- Severe abdominal pain in the case of liver and pancreatic cancers
- Bleeding through bowels or vomit and changes in bowel movements in the case of colorectal cancers
GI Cancer Diagnosis
Dr. Amit Gandhi mostly suggests a combination of the following tests for accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers:
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- Looking for signs of cancer cells through blood tests
- Taking MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasound tests, CT scan, or PET scan of the affected GI organ or region
- Examining the colon and rectum for polyps through Colonoscopy
- Performing visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine walls through endoscopy
- Performing a biopsy and analyzing tissues from the tumor
Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment
If diagnosed in their early stages, GI cancers can be treated with targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, if the tumor has grown excessively or is easily removable, you may benefit more from cancer surgery.
Our GI cancer surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Amit Gandhi, offers the most advanced drug therapies and surgeries to treat all types of GI cancers. These are minimally invasive surgeries that ensure minimal tissue damage and quick recovery.
In his 12 years of practice, Dr. Gandhi has performed several complex gastrointestinal surgeries and has earned praise from the national media. You can consult him directly for more information on GI cancers and treatments.