Gastrointestinal cancer refers to cancers of the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach, liver, biliary system, pancreas, bowels, and anus. More than 250,000 patients are diagnosed with some form of gastrointestinal cancer in the United States every year. In other words, nearly 20 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers are gastrointestinal related.
Gastrointestinal cancers include:
The function of the gastrointestinal tract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is sometimes referred to as the digestive tract, or the alimentary canal. This is the system of organs in the human body that takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste. The major functions of the GI tract are digestion and excretion.
What is gastrointestinal cancer?
Normally cells divide in a regulated manner. When cells keep dividing uncontrollably despite no need for new cells a mass of tissue forms called a tumor. When this occurs in one of the organs or parts of the GI tract this becomes a gastrointestinal cancer. Cancer can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, however, it is rarely found in the small intestine where most digestion occurs.
Diagnosis
Given the many recent advances in molecular genetics, diagnostic imaging modalities, modern surgical techniques, and sophisticated pathological analysis, there are enormous opportunities to reduce the burden of suffering associated with these often preventable tumors. When a person has any symptoms associated with any type of gastrointestinal cancer such as persisting abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and blood in the stool he or she should immediately seek medical advice. Like all cancers, treatment begins with diagnosis.
When patients suspect they may have a malignancy, they need answers fast. We offer comprehensive consultations by board certified gastrointestinal specialists and ensure rapid access to needed tests. The diagnostic approach is tailored to the patient's individual needs.
