Gastrointestinal Cancer

Doctors start with a physical exam and a review of symptoms and family history to assess cancer risk.

These procedures use a flexible tube with a camera to view inside the digestive tract. Depending on the area of concern, this could include:

• Colonoscopy for the colon
• Upper endoscopy for the esophagus and stomach
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for close imaging of the stomach, pancreas and esophagus

CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans or ultrasound are used to create detailed images, showing any tumors or unusual growths.

A small tissue sample is taken from suspicious areas during an endoscopy or imaging procedure, then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Blood tests can detect markers associated with GI cancers, such as liver enzymes or tumor markers like CEA or CA 19-9.

Cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, esophageal cancer includes two main types:

• Adenocarcinoma: Often linked to acid reflux and Barrett’s esophagus
• Squamous cell carcinoma: More common in those with a history of smoking or heavy alcohol use

Stomach cancer begins in the stomach lining, often in the cells that produce mucus. It’s commonly associated with factors like Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking and poor diet.

The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Major risk factors include hepatitis infections, cirrhosis and excessive alcohol consumption.

Cancer that begins in the pancreas, pancreatic cancer affects either the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes or the endocrine cells that produce hormones. Pancreatic cancer is often detected late, making it challenging to treat.

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer include gallstones, gallbladder inflammation and certain infections.

Small intestine cancer starts in the small intestine, with subtypes like adenocarcinoma, sarcoma and neuroendocrine tumors.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum. It often begins as polyps that can become cancerous over time. Risk factors include age, family history, certain genetic conditions, diet and lifestyle.

Anal cancer occurs in the anal canal and is often linked to HPV infection. This cancer is distinct from colorectal cancer and has different treatment approaches.

Know that you'll always be heard. Our team of GI oncologists and other experts is here to answer any questions you may have about risk factors, the screening process, symptoms and anything in between.

A rare cancer that starts in the appendix, appendiceal cancer is often discovered incidentally during surgeries for other conditions.

• Curative Surgery: Used when the cancer is localized and can be completely removed
• Palliative Surgery: Performed to relieve symptoms like pain or obstruction if the cancer is advanced and not fully removable

• External Beam Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells
• Brachytherapy: A type of internal radiation where radioactive material is placed close to or within the tumor

Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. It can be given before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to eliminate residual cells, or as a standalone treatment in advanced cases.

Targeted therapies attack specific molecules within cancer cells that contribute to tumor growth and spread. Targeted therapies are generally less harmful to normal cells than traditional chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

This technique combines chemotherapy with radiation to improve treatment effectiveness.

• Ablation: Techniques that use heat to destroy cancer cells, often used for small liver tumors
• Embolization: A procedure in which chemotherapy is injected directly into the blood vessels supplying a tumor, combined with blocking agents to "starve" the tumor of its blood supply

Participating in clinical trials offers access to new and experimental treatments that are not widely available. Trials may include novel drugs, combinations of therapies, or innovative procedures.