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 Could I have stomach cancer if I have appetite loss and stomach pains?
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Although appetite loss and stomach pain are considered two symptoms of stomach cancer, there are also many other common ailments that could be causing them. Don’t panic and assume the worst, but if you’ve had those symptoms for awhile, a... Full Answer
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- Q Are men or women more at risk for stomach cancer?
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Men have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer than women. Researchers have not been able to determine an exact cause for stomach cancer; however, studies have concluded that other risk factors include: Age (rare to see gastric cancer under the... Full Answer
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- Q Does red meat cause esophageal and stomach cancers?
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Dr. Robin Miller, Integrative MedicineStudies have shown that consumption of red meat over a long period of time may increase your risk of certain esophageal and stomach cancers. Find out more in this video by Dr. Robin Miller. Full Answer
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- Q What causes stomach cancer?
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Researchers have not been able to determine an exact cause for stomach cancer; however, studies have concluded that risk factors include:• Age (rare to see gastric cancer under the age of 40)• Sex (men are more likely to develop stomach... Full Answer
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- Q How can I decrease my risk of having stomach cancer?
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Dr. Robynne Chutkan, GastroenterologyThis is what you can do to minimize your risk for developing stomach cancer: If you have multiple family members with stomach cancer, consider getting genetic testing. Eat a mostly plant-based diet consisting of deeply pigmented fruits and vegetables.... Full Answer
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- Q What are natural treatments for Gastrointestinal/stomach cancer?
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Meditation: There is good evidence that various types of meditation may help improve quality of life in cancer patients. Studies have shown benefits for mood, sleep quality, and the stresses of treatment. The specific effects of meditation are not fully... Full Answer
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- Q What causes familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)?
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Inheritance: Most cases of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are inherited, meaning that a defective gene was transmitted from a parent to the child. Patients with FAP may have a mutation, or genetic error, in a gene called adenomatous polyposis coli... Full Answer
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- Q How is gallbladder cancer staged?
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Gallbladder cancer is staged using the TNM staging system. This takes into account the tumor itself and extent of invasion (T), the extent of spread to the lymph nodes (N), and the extent of metastasis to other parts of the body (M). The extent of... Full Answer
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- Q What tests are used to assess the stage of stomach cancer?
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Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyAn esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) provides both diagnosis and staging information. Patients should then have computerized tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen, as well as consideration for bone scan if the cancer appears to be more... Full Answer
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- Q What is the treatment for locally advanced stomach cancer?
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Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyPatients who have locally advanced stomach cancer require surgery and often some additional treatment for the best possible outcome. Preoperative or postoperative treatment for stomach cancer may include chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT). Two... Full Answer
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