Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is the term used when a cancer involves any one of the organs in the digestive system itself. The term gastrointestinal cancer can be cancer involving the pancreas, liver, stomach, small intestine, rectum, large intestine, esophagus, and/or gallbladder.

In your body exist many different types of cells thorughout the blood system and body tissues. These cells normally divide in an organized fashion in order to replace cells that have died. But when cell division runs rampant and divides abnormally, a tumor, either benign or malignant, can form. A benign tumor is an overgrowth of cells that does not metastasize and therefore is not called cancer. A malignant tumor will metastasize or spread throughout the body. This excess growth will damage the healthy cells of the body and eventually kill the individual if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer can include weight loss, fatigue, back pain, bleeding from the rectal area, diarrhea, constipation, and/or abdominal pain. Screening for gastrointestinal cancer should normally be started at the age of 50 years, since individuals over the age of 50 are at greater risk of developing these types of tumors. If you have a family history of gastrointestinal cancer standard medical practice advises that you are screened at an earlier age to detect any cancer and begin treatment early.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer is initially screened by looking for blood in the stool that may be microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. Blood in the stool is possible for other conditions as well, such as hemorrhoids, so a proper diagnosis by a physician is necessary. If blood is found the doctor will prescribe other testing to determine the source of the blood. If you are 50 or over, doctors will recommend that you receive a colonoscopy to screen for polyps, precursors to colorectal cancer.

If gastrointestinal cancer is found, early treatment will improve the potential for a successful outcome. Treatment for gastrointestinal cancer is given either by the use of medications, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Prevention of gastrointestinal cancer includes making changes to lifestyle choices, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, eliminating smoking, and reducing or eliminating fatty foods, especially animal fat.

It is important to see your physician at the first sign or symptom of any unusual findings in your body. It is also important to have routine medical examinations, consume a proper diet that includes fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables, routine exercise, and a decreased stress level is optimal to maintain good health.

RESOURCES

MedlinePlus: Intestinal Cancer

National Cancer Institute: Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor

MD Anderson Cancer Center: Gastrointestinal Cancer Center

Universit of Michigan: Gastrointestinal Cancers

University of Chicago: Gastrointestinal Cancers