Gastrointestinal Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment options

Gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is a 25-foot long pathway that starts from the mouth and then goes to the anus. Undergoing the Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment in Ludhiana on time or you can say at the early stage will help your condition to get better. As we all know, with any cancer type if detected at a later stage, it will be difficult to treat it or the treatment might help to add few more years to your life. So, taking the necessary measure on time is important.

Types of gastrointestinal cancer

Here, are the most common types of gastrointestinal cancer:

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Liver cancer

The researchers have shown that this cancer type is more common in men and with age, the chances of developing it increases. Some of the studies have shown that due to alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and unhealthy habits, your chances of having gastrointestinal cancer increase. Few cases of gastrointestinal tumors are inherited.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer

In most cases, the gastrointestinal tumor does not show any symptoms unless it reaches the tumor stage or it has become severe. The symptoms you will have will be different as compared to other patients and it also depends on the type. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Problem swallowing
  • Ulcer-like symptoms like pain, bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite

Individuals with pancreatic and liver cancer can have abdominal pain & colorectal cancer. It is possible that you have bleeding or your bowel function changes.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer

If the doctor suspects you have gastrointestinal cancer, then he will perform a number of tests to confirm about the same like:

  • Endoscopy checks the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine lining.
  • A lab test to check the blood changes and look for the cancer presence
  • Colonoscopy to check the rectum and colon for polyps which can turn out to be cancerous.
  • The biopsy sample is obtained for the abdominal tissue & checks the cancer cell presence.

Treatment for gastrointestinal cancer

If the tumor has reached the stage it is easy to reach then surgical intervention is needed. In case, it is not easy to reach or removing it will affect the gastrointestinal function then you need to get:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy

During the surgery, the entire tumor is removed along with its surrounding tissues. For restoring the stomach or esophagus function the doctor might suggest you anastomosis. In some cases, patients might be suitable candidates for transplantation. The doctor will suggest you a treatment plan which helps you to get better and your symptoms should reduce.

Consult the best gastroenterologist

If you are diagnosed with any cancer linked to gastro health, then consult the best gastroenterologist at the earliest. Just make sure that you discuss everything in detail with the doctor to formulate a treatment plan which makes your health better. Ensure that you are completely transparent with your doctor about what you are experiencing and no matter what the doctor asks you, tell that straight away.

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