Things You Need to Know About Gastro-Intestinal Cancer

Referring to the malign conditions of the GI tract in the body, Gastro-Intestinal cancer has been one of the leading causes of death in the past decade. If we look at the prevalence of GI cancer in India, the results will shock you. While esophageal cancer is prominent in major parts of India, the deaths pertaining to gastric cancer shows a dismal figure as well.

However, the question arises - is it possible to safeguard ourselves from this menacing illness? Of course, yes, but that requires an integration of three pivotal components - proper knowledge, early detection and effective treatment.

To have deeper insights into Gastro-Intestinal Cancer, read the following –

What is Gastro-Intestinal Cancer?

Gastro-Intestinal Cancer is a collective term used for a number of malignant conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract in the human body which consists of organs like oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. One of the most common forms of cancer, it affects both men and women depending upon the risk factors.

The following are the major types of Gastro-Intestinal Cancer (affecting the particular organ):

• Esophageal Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Gall bladder Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Anal Cancer

Know more about - Stomach Cancer: Common Causes and Risk Factors and Stomach Cancer Symptoms & Signs

Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of each type of GI Cancer varies, however, there are some symptoms common to all. These are

1. Abdominal pain/discomfort
2. Alterations in bowel habits
3. Rectal bleeding
4. Loss of appetite
5. Feeling of Nausea/vomiting
6. Unintentional weight loss
7. Fatigue
8. Feeling bloated
9. Heartburn
10. Persistent indigestion

GI Cancer Diagnosis

With advanced diagnosis options like upper endoscopy(where a thin tube with a tiny camera is inserted in your stomach via your throat to look for any malicious tissues), computerized tomography, and X-ray examinations generally known as barium swallow,detection of gastro-intestinal cancer has become easy. Moreover, to determine the stage of GI cancers, imaging tests including CT scan and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) are done. In some cases, exploratory surgery is also conducted to look for the signs of cancer and whether it has/hasn’t spread to other organs of the body.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatments

Depending on the stage ofcancer, the following treatment options are available–

Surgery

If cancer hasn’t spread to other organs of the body, surgery is done to remove the affected part. It also removes the margin of healthy tissues to avoid any further risk.

Radiation therapy for Gastrointestinal Cancer

In radiation therapy, high-powered beams from a machine like X-rays and protons are used to remove malicious cancer tissues.

Chemotherapy for GI Cancer

Chemotherapy employs drugs to kill cancer cells and can also be used if cancer has spread to the other organs of the body.

If you are looking forward to having the best cancer treatment in India, BLK-MAX Hospital Cancer Centre with its advanced treatment options and state-of-the-art facilities is here to aid you in all possible ways. The fight against gastro-intestinal cancer seems challenging but with a better approach and cost-effective solutions, it surely isn’t impossible.