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 types of cancer can start in the colon and rectum?
-
Several types of cancer can start in the colon or rectum: 1. Adenocarcinomas: More than 95% of colorectal cancers are a type of cancer known as adenocarcinomas. These cancers start in cells that form glands that make mucus to lubricate the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with gallbladder cancer?
-
You can help care for someone with gallbladder cancer in a few ways. This type of cancer can cause a great deal of fatigue, so helping with daily housework and grocery shopping may be very beneficial. You can also help by listening to your friend or... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can H. pylori lead to stomach cancer?
-
Individuals infected with H. pylori bacteria, which while a common infection, may lead to chronic atrophic gastritis, a precancerous condition in which stomach cells are damaged by chronic inflammation. Autoimmune disease may also cause chronic atrophic... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What role does weight loss play in gastrointestinal cancer?
-
I had an old professor who said, “You know what the most important number is when you’re following a patient with cancer? Their weight. Watch their weight.” This is especially true when you’re dealing with gastrointestinal... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can the Mediterranean diet reduce my risk of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer?
-
A public health study found that strict adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, which includes an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and moderate amounts of nuts, fish, and healthy cooking oils such as canola oil and olive oil, was associated... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can drinking milk reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
-
An analysis of data from 10 different studies revealed that milk consumption reduced the risks of rectal cancer and cancer of the distal colon, which is the portion of the colon closer to the rectum. People who drank over 8 ounces of milk per day, the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Where in the stomach does cancer occur?
-
Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach. In most cases, though, it begins in the inner lining and can spread throughout the stomach, penetrate the wall and progress to the adjacent lymph nodes and other organs.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the mortality rate for stomach cancer?
-
Worldwide, more than half a million deaths result from stomach cancer, which is much more common in Asia and Latin America than in the United States. Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach. It begins in the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are there different types of stomach cancer?
-
Yes, there are a few different types of stomach cancer, but the vast majority—90 percent—are adenocarcinomas. These tumors develop from the cells that form the innermost layer of the stomach, called the mucosa. In some cases, it can spread... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the specific stages of stomach cancer?
-
"Staging" refers to the extent of the disease, which is a critical factor in determining what course of treatment would be most effective. It is based on the size and extent of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes involved, and how far the cancer has... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
