Gastrointestinal Cancer
Caused by tumors that grow slowly in our digestive system, gastrointestinal cancers can affect the appendix, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum.
With no known cause, the tumors that cause these cancers usually do not show symptoms until after they have spread. See your doctor if you have shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort or bloating, rectal bleeding or bowel obstruction.
You are at greater risk for developing gastrointestinal cancers if you have a family history of the cancers, are older than 50 or have other gastric problems, such as gastritis.
Tumors called carcinoids and non-carcinoids cause cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, which houses the stomach and the intestines. Most carcinoid tumors are found in the tip of the appendix, which is attached to the large intestines.
Tumors are often found when a person is treated for appendicitis or a doctor notices it accidentally in a CT scan. Aggressive treatments, such as surgery, are needed for large tumors.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) or stomach cancer?
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The majority of stomach cancer patients have non-specific complaints, such as:• Indigestion or heartburn• Abdominal discomfort (bloating, belching, gas pains, etc.)• Loss of appetite• Occasional vomiting• Diarrhea or... Full Answer
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- Q What is the most accurate test for detecting colorectal cancer?
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The most accurate test to detect colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy, which entails inserting a flexible, camera-like instrument into the body to look at the inside of the colon and large intestine. It is the procedure most often used for detecting... Full Answer
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- Q What are the lifestyle risk factors for colorectal cancer?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAverage folks can be at higher risk for colorectal cancer, especially if they partake in some unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Lifestyle risk factors for colorectal cancer: diets high in fat or low in fiber, calcium, or both obesity physical inactivity... Full Answer
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- Q How can I help my family cope with my diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer?
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It is common that a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer may both frighten and upset your family. However, there are now several therapeutic options available to patients, and these should be discussed at length with your surgeon and with your family... Full Answer
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- Q What are the most common surgical treatments for stomach cancer?
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In cases where a patient’s stomach cancer appears not to have spread to distant organs, surgery remains the primary treatment for this disease. In most cases, the surgeon will remove at least half of the stomach (or, in some cases, the entire... Full Answer
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- Q What is carcinoid syndrome?
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Carcinoid syndrome is a combination of symptoms caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include flushing of the face, flat angiomas (small collections of dilated blood... Full Answer
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- Q How is stomach cancer treated?
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In cases where a patient’s stomach cancer appears not to have spread to distant organs, surgery remains the primary treatment for this disease. In most cases, the surgeon will remove at least half of the stomach (or, in some cases, the entire... Full Answer
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- Q What is stomach cancer?
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Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops in the inner lining of the stomach. In some cases, it can spread throughout the stomach, penetrate the wall and progress to the adjacent lymph nodes and other organs. Although there is no known exact... Full Answer
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- Q How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
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After a physical examination is completed, your physician may utilize one or more diagnostic procedures to confirm or rule out stomach cancer. The main test to definitively diagnose stomach cancer is upper endoscopy and biopsy.Diagnostic testing... Full Answer
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- Q Who is at high risk for developing colorectal cancer?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTo put it simply, all adults are at risk for colorectal cancer, even those that live healthily. Some people are at very high risk. They have a particular gene mutation that predisposes them to developing multiple polyps. These are hereditary syndromes... Full Answer
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