Understanding Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers affect the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. These cancers can impact digestion, nutrition, and overall health, making timely diagnosis and specialized treatment essential.
At Radiant Cancer Care, we provide personalized radiation therapy for patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on precise treatment delivery while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
GI cancers may develop in different areas of the digestive tract and are often treated using a combination of radiation therapy, surgery, and medical oncology.
Common Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the cancer and may be mild or nonspecific in early stages. As GI cancers progress, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
Any ongoing or worsening digestive symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis: What to Expect
Diagnosing gastrointestinal cancers typically involves a combination of evaluations and testing, including:
- Medical history & physical exam: Review of symptoms and risk factors
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy: Allows visualization of the digestive tract
- Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or ultrasound
- Biopsy: Confirms the presence and type of cancer cells
- Staging tests: Determines whether the cancer has spread
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your care team will discuss treatment options based on the cancer type, location, stage, and your overall health.
