GI Cancer

GI cancer, also known as gastrointestinal cancer, is a kind of cancer that affects the digestive tract. The GI tract (or digestive system) starts at the esophagus and extends through the body to the anus. Every time you eat, your GI system works hard to help you digest your food, give essential nutrients to your body, and eliminate waste.
When normal, functioning cells in the GI tract begins to grow and operate abnormally, GI cancer develops. These malignant cells accumulate and create a mass known as a tumor, which occurs as a lump inside the body and has the potential to spread.

Types of GI cancer

There are several types of GI cancers since your GI system is so large:

Bile duct cancer: This rare type of cancer starts in the bile ducts, which are the tubes that link your liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. These tubes transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder, where it breaks down fats.
Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer, which includes the colon and rectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer.
Anal cancer: This type of GI cancer develops when malignant cells form in the rectum, a tiny organ situated near the end of the big intestine.
Gallbladder cancer: This uncommon cancer develops in the gallbladder, a tiny pouch-like organ that stores bile generated by the liver.
Liver cancer: Tumors that develop in the liver could be either primary or secondary. Cancerous cells can grow in the liver, bile ducts, or blood arteries and spread there.
Esophageal cancer: This cancer develops in the esophagus, which is the long hollow tube that links your throat to your stomach.
Pancreatic cancer: This type of cancer develops in the pancreas, a tiny organ that produces digestive enzymes.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): This form of GI tumor can develop anywhere along the GI tract’s walls.
Stomach cancer: This kind of cancer can develop in the stomach or inside its lining or walls.
Small intestine cancer: This kind of cancer develops in several areas of the small intestine.

Symptoms of GI Cancer

GI cancer might not exhibit any signs in its initial stages. However, symptoms vary depending on the kind and stage of cancer and could include:

1. Rectal or anal discomfort, itching, or bleeding
2. Abdominal pain
3. Vomiting or nausea
4. Bloating, particularly after eating
5. Unexplained weight loss
6. Loss of appetite
7. Blood in your stool
8. Jaundice
9. Weakness or fatigue
10. Persistent fever

Experiencing these symptoms does not always indicate that you have GI cancer. In fact, various illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and polyps, can induce comparable symptoms. Even if you are experiencing symptoms, you should consult your doctor to rule out other medical concerns. Contact Dr. Nikhil Jillawar, the best gastrology surgeon in Moshi, to get your accurate diagnostic results.

GI Cancer Risk Factors

Certain activities, genetics, and risk factors can all raise your chances of acquiring GI cancer. These are some examples:

Exposure to H. pylori bacteria: This sort of bacteria, found in polluted water, can cause stomach ulcers, inflammation, and an increased risk of getting cancer.
History of digestive issues: You are more likely to get some types of GI cancer if you have previously had colon polyps, diverticulitis, colitis, or certain liver problems.
Smoking: Tobacco usage, including smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, and pipes, elevates your chances of getting GI cancer.
Family history: If you have a family member who has been declared with GI cancer or another stomach ailment, your chances of developing it rises.
Age: The chance of having GI cancer increases with age, with the majority of patients diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 70.
Other risk factors include: Exposure to certain industrial toxins, heavy alcohol consumption, being overweight, and eating a diet high in salt or fatty meats are all risk factors.

How is Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosed?

Screening tests using cutting-edge technology can discover GI cancers in their early stages when they are most curable. Your doctor might do the following diagnostic tests to screen for GI cancers:

Biopsy: During a biopsy, your doctor uses a fine needle or a surgical technique to extract a small sample of tissue. The tissue is inspected under a microscope to see whether there are any cancerous cells.
Endoscopy: Your doctor will insert a tiny scope into your mouth to inspect the hard-to-see regions of your GI tract during this process.
Ultrasound: Ultrasounds use sound waves to create a picture of your organs. Your doctor will review these images to see if there are any concerns.
Blood tests: This test can rule out any GI abnormalities that aren’t connected to cancer, such as Crohn’s disease or IBS.
Imaging tests: Diagnostic imaging tests, such as MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans, are used to produce detailed pictures of your GI system. They can assess if tumors have grown or diminished in size, or whether malignant cells have migrated to other parts of the body.
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopies are the most effective method of detecting colon cancer early. The process is easy, usually takes less than an hour, and you can resume regular activities the next day.

GI Cancer Treatment

Surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurse navigators, and support professionals comprise your gastrointestinal cancer team. And they’ll all collaborate to create a specific treatment strategy for your GI cancer. Contact us today to learn more about our stomach cancer treatment in Moshi.