Gastrointestinal Cancer — Types and Treatment

Posted On: December 26, 2022

Gastrointestinal cancer, while often rare, can be a cause of concern for many. It's a complex field to navigate, after all. However, with proper awareness and assistance, one can seek the help they need for the treatment of such a condition.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

All malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract, including those of the stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, rectum, colon, anus, and biliary system, are referred to as gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. These aspects of cancer may manifest when DNA alterations cause abnormal (cancerous) cells to proliferate along the gastrointestinal tract. Depending upon the type of gastrointestinal cancer, there are various symptoms. People may often have difficulties finding their way around the various types of GI Cancers and how to be aware of them, as well as raise awareness about it. In the following section, we talk briefly about some of the GI Cancers that patients may be impacted with or may seek professional assistance for.

Types of Gastrointestinal Cancer

1. Anal Cancer

Anal cancer develops when cells in the anus begin to grow irregularly. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a condition that is transferred through sexual contact, is to blame for the majority of instances of this rare disease. Your chance of acquiring anal cancer can be decreased by receiving an HPV vaccine.

2. Rectal Cancer

This is the cancer of the colon, which is at the base of the digestive system. Noncancerous polyps may appear in early cases. These are frequently asymptomatic but can be found by screening. Your likelihood of getting rectal cancer may rise due to specific variables. People who are high risk could require more regular checks or screening to begin earlier. Due to this, our experts strongly advise testing for people who are at high risk or are over 50.

3. Gastric Cancer

When aberrant cells within the stomach begin to grow uncontrollably, gastric cancer (also known as stomach cancer) occurs. Adenocarcinomas, a form of cancer that evolves in the internal lining of the stomach, account for the majority of stomach cancers. Tumours from gastric cancer are really common in a lot of people.

4. Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a gland located deep within the abdomen that aids in food digestion and regulates levels of blood sugar. Fast-growing pancreatic cancer develops when healthy pancreatic cells alter and begin to proliferate aggressively. Although pancreatic cancer is a serious illness, improvements in treatment over the past ten years have increased the likelihood of finding a cure.

5. Oesophageal Cancer

On the interior layer of the oesophagus, abnormal DNA alterations can lead to the development of cancer. Ingesting difficulties, loss of weight and lethargy are common symptoms. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation oncology are all used as treatments.

6. Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)

The liver, gallbladder, and small intestine are linked by a system of tubes known as ducts. This network starts in the liver, where a large number of tiny ducts gather bile. Malignant (cancer) cells develop in the bile ducts in the rare condition known as bile duct carcinoma.

7. Liver Cancer

When liver cells multiply and divide uncontrolled, liver cancer occurs. Tumours can develop from these cells over time. Tumours frequently have a benign nature, which means they are not dangerous and therefore, cannot spread to other bodily areas. Tumours can, however, occasionally be aggressive or cancerous. Malignant tumour cells have the capacity to invade adjacent tissues and spread to other areas of the body.

Other Forms of GI Cancer

• Small Intestine Cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumour

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