Categories
types of cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Overview

Overview Cancers of the gastrointestinal region is a term for a group of cancers that affect the digestive system. This includes:

  • Oesophageal Cancer: Oesophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the oesophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. Oesophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the oesophagus and can occur anywhere along the oesophagus. This cancer type is more commonly found in men in comparison to women. You can read more about oesophageal cancer here
  • Gallbladder Cancer: Gallbladder cancer, a relatively uncommon type, occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies just under the liver in the upper abdomen. It stores bile, a fluid made by the liver to digest fat. Read more about gallbladder cancer here.
  • Liver Cancer: Liver cancer, otherwise known as hepatic cancer, affects the liver. Liver cancers are malignant tumours that grow on the surface of or inside the liver. Liver cancer consists of malignant hepatic tumours (growths) in or on the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (or hepatoma or HCC). Find out more about liver cancer here.
  • Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm originating from transformed cells arising in tissues forming the pancreas. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for 95% of these tumours, is adenocarcinoma (tumours exhibiting glandular architecture on light microscopy) arising within the exocrine component of the pancreas. A minority arise from islet cells, and are classified as neuroendocrine tumours. More on pancreatic cancer here.
  • Stomach Cancer: Stomach cancer or gastric cancer, refers to cancer developing in any part of the stomach. These cancers are classified according to the type of tissue they originate in. The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular tissue of the stomach and accounts for 90-95% of all stomach cancers. You can read more about stomach cancer here.
  • Small Intestine Cancer: Small bowel cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs in the small intestine. Your small intestine, which is also called the small bowel, is a long tube that carries digested food between your stomach and your large intestine (colon).
  • Neuroendocrine Tumours: A neuroendocrine tumor begins in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system, which is made up of cells that are a combination of hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body in organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines.
  • Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. Read more about colorectal cancer here.
  • Anal Cancer: Anal cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal. The anal canal is a short tube at the end of your rectum through which stool leaves your body. Anal cancer is very different from colorectal cancer, which is much more common. Anal cancer, though rare, is a lump created by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the anus. Find out more about anal cancer here.
  • Gastro-intestinal Stromal Tumour: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) may be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer). Commonly found in the stomach and small intestine but may be also found in other parts near or inside the GI tract. Scientists believe that GISTs begin in cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), in the wall of the GI tract.

    • The symptoms that manifest are related to the organ affected. GI cancer can be diagnosed through an endoscopy, followed by biopsy of suspicious tissue. The treatment depends on the location of the tumour, as well as the type of cancer cell and whether it has invaded other tissues or spread elsewhere in the body.

    Symptoms

    Since the cancer of a number of organs of the digestive system is clubbed under Gastrointestinal Cancer, the symptoms may vary. Some of the common symptoms may include the following:

  • Abdominal pain, tenderness or discomfort
  • Change in bowel habits, such as frequency or consistency or shape
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
  • Bloated feeling after eating, even when eating a small amount
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Fatigue

    • These are common symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer, but there are more symptoms that relate specifically to each type.

    Causes

    The following are considered to be the causes or the risk factors that could lead to the various gastrointestinal cancers:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Increasing age
  • Diet high in animal fat
  • Diet containing high amounts of salted, cured, or poorly preserved foods
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Obesity
  • Family history of GI cancer

    • Diagnosis

    The detection and confirmation of gastrointestinal cancers are done through various and following are the key diagnostic modalities.

    Physical exam and history: An examination of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

    Blood chemistry studies: This is a procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it.

    Complete Blood Count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:

  • The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
  • The amount of haemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells
  • The portion of the sample made up of red blood cells

    • CAT scan: In this procedure, a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body are taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an X-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called Computed Tomography, Computerised Tomography or Computerised Axial Tomography.

    Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy of the stomach is usually done during the endoscopy.

    Treatment

    Some gastrointestinal cancer cases are treated with a single treatment modality or with a combination of two or more. The suitable treatment option for each case is decided based on various parameters such as the type of cancer, location and size, the stage of the cancer, patient’s age and the overall condition of the patient. Below are some of the major treatment modalities:

    Surgery: When used to treat cancer, surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes cancer from the body. It could be non-invasive, minimally-invasive or open surgery depending on the factors mentioned above. The surgery is often preceded or succeeded by chemotherapy.

    Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. Radiation can either be delivered externally or internally. Radiation therapy is always used in combination with the surgery or chemotherapy for enhanced efficacy.

    Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used along with radiation therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy is usually prescribed in the following cases:

  • Along with radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery (called chemoradiation)
  • After surgery to decrease the risk of the relapse
  • To slow the growth of a tumour and control symptoms when the cancer cannot be completely treated (palliative treatment)

    • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight against cancer. Once the immunity is boosted, the body detects and destroys the cancer cells throughout the body. Although not as popular as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, immunotherapy is used to treat a few types of cancers.

    Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets biomolecules that control how cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. By targeting these biomolecules, this treatment modality may promote stronger immunity, stop cancer cells from growing, deliver tumour-killing molecules to the cancer, cut-off nutrient supply to the tumour cells or kill the cancer cells.

    272 replies on “Gastrointestinal Cancer”

    Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with
    hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another
    platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the
    direction of a good platform.

    I do agree with all of the concepts you have offered for your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for newbies. May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

    Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to exchange strategies with others, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

    I am now not positive where you are getting your info, however great topic.I needs to spend some time learning more or working out more.Thank you for great info I was searching for this information for my mission.

    I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

    A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you should write more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo subject but usually folks don’t speak about these subjects. To the next! All the best!!

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.I will definitely return.

    Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    An attention-grabbing dialogue is value comment. I believe that you must write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic but usually people are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

    RSA, RCG, RSA Wollongong, RSA Sydney City, RSA Liverpool,RSA Parramatta, RSA Central Coast, RSA Hunter & Newcastle, RSAOnline, RCG Virtual, START YOUR HOSPITALITY CAREER HERE, BarMax, RSA Online NSW

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back once again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

    Have you ever heard of second life (sl for short). It is essentially a game where you can do anything you want. SL is literally my second life (pun intended lol). If you want to see more you can see these second life authors and blogs

    History billiga kamagra Another birdie followed in unexpected fashion at the par-four 13th where he chipped in from an uphill lie in thick rough below the green, his ball popping up before tracking toward the cup some 40 feet away.

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal blog now 😉

    Thanks for a marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it,you’re a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and willcome back at some point. I want to encourage that you continue your great work, havea nice weekend!

    Very interesting points you have noted, appreciate it for posting. „There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.” by Richard Buckminster Fuller.

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to offer something back and aid others such as you helped me.

    When I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers!

    There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue. I like all of the points you made.

    Asking questions are truly pleasant thing if you arenot understanding anything entirely, but this paragraphprovides good understanding even.

    This is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.Simple but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharingthis one. A must read article!

    What’s up mates, how is the whole thing, andwhat you want to say on the topic of this pieceof writing, in my view its really remarkable for me.Also visit my blog post :: hormone levels

    hello!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I require an expert on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

    Your style is unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from.I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.Stop by my blog … healthy eating

    My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right.This publish actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time Ihad spent for this information! Thanks!

    Hello! I know this is kinda off topic but I waswondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?I’m using the same blog platform as yoursand I’m having problems finding one? Thanks alot!

    Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This type ofclever work and exposure! Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently.

    Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative.I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.Cheers!

    I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly enjoyedevery little bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you post…

    Having an interior designer is incredibly important since they have the knowledge and experience to help transform a space into something functional and aesthetically pleasing. Interior designers know how to balance colour, texture, furniture, and other design elements to create the desired look. They are creative problem solvers and can work their magic in any space from small closets to large outdoor decks. With an expert’s eye for detail, your own ideas can be refined and executed perfectly, elevating your space both functionally and aesthetically. Thank you for providing this content and helping us recognize the importance of hiring an interior designer!

    [url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]best over the counter cough medicine[/url] over the counter ringworm treatment

    whoah this blog is great i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are hunting around for this information, you could aid them greatly.

    [url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]over-the-counter drug[/url] ringworm treatment over the counter

    I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

    [url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]guaranteed suicide over the counter[/url] instant female arousal pills over the counter

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox andnow each time a comment is added I get threee-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?Thanks!

    You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

    [url=https://over-the-counter-drug.com/#]over the counter hearing aids[/url] over the counter cough medicine

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly. I’m reasonably certain I’ll be informed many new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    I was extremely pleased to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you book marked to check out new things on your blog.

    But as long as through easily from the dust cleared, as soon as possible. He took the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia as inspiration. DIY fashion model looks like it’s a good way on the sale of Moncler.

    I like reading through an article that will make men and women think.Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

    I do not even know how I stopped up here, but I believed this putup was once good. I do not recognize who you’rebut certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger should you aren’t already.Cheers!

    before it had a chance to get to a point where I’dget hurt.I was also really self-destructive around then and for the next few years, I’dgo on adult-oriented chatrooms and pretend I was 18.I’d pick up dudes and convince them to get on cam for me.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *