Understanding Gastrointestinal Cancer

GI Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the digestive system. The incidence of gastrointestinal cancers has increased significantly in recent years.

Upper GI cancers include: Esophagus, stomach, duodenum and small intestine.

Lower GI cancers include: Colon and rectum.

Hepato-biliary cancers include: Liver, gallbladder, bile duct and pancreas.

Colorectal cancer is the most common GI cancer and among the most common cancers worldwide. In India, stomach cancer ranks among the leading cancers in both men and women.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer occurs due to uncontrolled cell division caused by damage to genes that regulate normal cell growth.

These genetic changes may occur due to exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, chemicals, viruses, or environmental factors.

Cancer cells may spread through blood or lymphatic vessels to other organs. This process is called metastasis, which represents advanced stage disease.

Cancer Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Environmental exposure
• Chemical exposure
• Hepatitis B and C infections
• Radiation exposure

How to Reduce Cancer Risk

• Avoid smoking and tobacco
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Eat fruits and vegetables regularly
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
• Regular health checkups

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer

• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Jaundice
• Blood in stool
• Black colored stool (Melena)
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia and weakness
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosis

• Upper GI Endoscopy for esophagus and stomach cancers
• Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer detection
• Biopsy for confirmation of diagnosis
• FNAC for liver, pancreas and gallbladder tumors

Cancer Staging Tests

• CT Scan
• PET Scan
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Blood investigations

Definitive Treatment Options

Treatment depends on cancer type and stage. Surgery remains the main treatment when tumors are operable.

• Gallbladder cancer surgery
• Liver resection or transplant
• Pancreatic surgery (Whipple procedure)
• Esophageal cancer surgery
• Stomach cancer surgery
• Colon and rectal cancer surgery

Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery

Modern cancer surgery can be performed using laparoscopic techniques. Studies show laparoscopic surgery provides results similar to open surgery with faster recovery.

Minimally invasive surgery is now routinely used for colon, rectum, stomach and esophagus cancers in specialized centers.

Advanced Cancer Treatment

In advanced cancers, treatment focuses on improving quality of life and reducing symptoms.

• Endoscopic stent placement
• Biliary stenting for jaundice
• Tumor bleeding control
• Bowel obstruction relief

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Successful cancer treatment requires a team approach involving:

• GI Oncosurgeon
• Medical Oncologist
• Radiation Oncologist
• Gastroenterologist
• Radiologist
• Hepatologist

Neoadjuvant Therapy

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink tumors and improve surgical outcomes.

Cancer Screening

Cancer screening helps detect disease at an early stage before symptoms appear.

High-risk patients such as chronic liver disease or ulcerative colitis patients require regular screening.

Colonoscopy after age 50 helps detect precancerous polyps and prevent colorectal cancer.

Cancer in Young Patients

GI cancers are increasingly seen in younger patients due to lifestyle factors and obesity.

Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, weight loss, and loss of appetite should always be evaluated regardless of age.