Every Patient Deserves
Best Care and Treatment
Dr. Bhavana Parikh DNB (Oncosurgery)
Gastrointestinal cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad
Gastrointestinal Cancer
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENTS, CAUSES
The six most common GI cancers in India are the cancers of esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, rectum and gallbladder.
About Gastrointestinal cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer encompasses a broad spectrum of malignancies affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, rectum, and anus. Recognizing the symptoms of GI cancer is crucial for early detection and timely intervention.
Aurum Cancer Care, led by the esteemed Dr. Bhavana Parikh, is at the forefront of gastrointestinal cancer treatment in Ahmedabad, offering comprehensive care and expertise to patients. Let’s delve into the symptoms associated with GI cancer and how Aurum Cancer Care, under Dr. Parikh’s guidance, addresses them.
Symptoms of GastrointestinaI
Symptoms of GastrointestinaI cancer can vary depending on the specific location and stage of the disease. However, there are common signs that individuals should be vigilant about:
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a symptom of esophageal cancer. This sensation may worsen over time and could be accompanied by pain or discomfort while swallowing.
Abdominal Mass or Lump
Detecting a palpable mass or lump in the abdomen may indicate the presence of a tumor. It's essential to seek medical attention if you notice any unusual lumps or bumps, as they may require further investigation.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. It can occur in cancers affecting the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts, obstructing the flow of bile.
Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, especially if it is localized and not relieved by typical measures, warrants medical evaluation. This symptom may indicate the presence of tumors or other abnormalities within the gastrointestinal tract.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, color, or shape, should not be ignored. These changes may be indicative of colorectal cancer or other GI malignancies.
Blood in Stool
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (hematochezia) can occur in various GI cancers, including colorectal cancer. Blood may appear bright red or tarry black, depending on its origin within the digestive tract.
Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn
Chronic indigestion or heartburn that does not improve with over-the-counter medications may indicate stomach or esophageal cancer. It's essential to investigate persistent digestive symptoms, as they could be indicative of underlying issues.
Unexplained Fatigue
Persistent fatigue or weakness that is not attributable to other factors, such as sleep disturbances or excessive physical activity, may be a sign of advanced GI cancer. Cancer-related fatigue can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and should be addressed promptly.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Significant and unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity can be a warning sign of various cancers, including gastrointestinal malignancies. Weight loss may occur due to a combination of factors, such as changes in appetite, metabolism & nutrient absorption.
Throughout your treatment journey, our team will collaborate closely with you to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences. We prioritize open communication, empathy, and shared decision-making to ensure that you feel supported every step of the way.
Causes
Each form of GI cancer has its own set of risk factors. However, in many cases, lifestyle variables may play a role. Obesity, a lack of exercise, smoking, a bad diet, and heavy alcohol consumption are all examples. Patients may also be susceptible to the disease if there is a family history. Other aspects to consider are:
- Hepatitis A or B Infection: Chronic Hepatitis A & B infections can lead to liver cancer formation.
- Helicobacter pylori Infection: Persistent H.pylori infections, if left untreated, may lead to stomach cancer.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol increases the risk of GI cancers.
- Gastritis: Prolonged history of gastritis is also associated with gastrointestinal cancers.
- Obesity: The risk of developing GI cancers is higher among obese people.
- History of Any GI Cancers or Other Cancers: Those who’ve been treated for GI or any cancers in the past also have a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.
- History of Polyp Growths in the Colon or Stomach: Those who’ve had polyp growths in the colon and stomach region in the past also show a higher risk for GI cancers.
Diagnosis
The approach used to diagnose gastrointestinal cancer is entirely dependent on the type of cancer that has been suspected. The following are some of the most frequent approaches for detecting and diagnosing GI cancers
a. Physical Examination: A physical examination of the body checks for the signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems abnormal. A medical history of the patient’s health habits, as well as previous diseases and treatments, will be obtained.
b. Blood Tests: Blood tests are recommended to screen for abnormalities in the blood that could indicate the presence of GI malignancies.
c. Endoscopy: Endoscopic tests help specialists have a look inside the body with the help of an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a light and a small camera attached.
d. Imaging Tests: To look for abnormal tissue anywhere in the digestive system, imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or PET scan) are used.
- Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy: These are the procedures that are used to detect colorectal cancer.
- Upper GI endoscopy: This procedure helps in the detection of cancers that arise from the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum in the upper gastrointestinal system.
e. Biopsy: Biopsy is the process of collecting cells or tissues from the area where tumour growth is suspected so that they can be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. During the endoscopy, a biopsy of the stomach is routinely performed.
We have the best stomach cancer specialists in India who are trained to treat multiple GI cancers with result-oriented treatment approaches that lead to positive clinical outcomes.
Treatment
The type of cancer, stage, and other general health issues are some of the main factors that influence how gastrointestinal cancer is treated. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are common treatment options available for the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
a. Surgery: Surgery is frequently used to treat early-stage GI tumours and those that are easily accessible. Surgeries remove the tumour and a small portion of healthy tissues surrounding it. For gastrointestinal malignancies, surgery is the most common treatment option. GI malignancies can be treated by open, minimally-invasive or even robotic surgeries.
When compared to open surgery, minimally invasive techniques lead to recovery at a faster rate. As a result, patients can return to normal activities or progress to the next step in their treatment plan faster.
Through consistent advancements in the field of cancer care, we strive to provide the best gastrointestinal cancer treatment in India.
b. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to reduce the tumour size (called neoadjuvant therapy). This method may allow patients with otherwise incurable tumours to undergo surgery. It may also be administered after the surgery in order to kill the cancer cells that may have survived the surgery.
If the cancer has advanced to the lymph nodes or has migrated to other parts of the body, chemotherapy is administered to delay the disease progression and relieve the symptoms.
Some GI tumours may potentially be treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a unique chemotherapy method. After all known tumours have been removed, HIPEC is administered wherein heated chemotherapy drugs are sent directly into the abdominal cavity, where it enters the diseased tissue directly.
c. Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target the tumour’s specific genes or proteins, as well as the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival, are used in targeted therapy.
d. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy could be administered both internally and externally. Often radiation therapy is administered in combination with other treatment modalities for better treatment response.
FAQs
Are gallbladder cancers treatable?
Yes, gastrointestinal cancers are treatable as there are many treatment options available today even for cancers that are in advanced stages.
However, it is important not to ignore any GI symptoms that last for more than two weeks and immediately seek medical attention. This supports early detection and timely treatment.
How common are GI cancers in India?
Esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer and gallbladder cancer are some of the common GI cancers among men and women in India.
GI cancers contribute to approximately 20% of the country’s total cancer burden.
Why are GI cancers often diagnosed in advanced conditions?
The signs and symptoms associated with GI cancers are similar to those of less severe GI conditions. Therefore, people tend to ignore the signs and symptoms they witness. This leads to delayed diagnosis and eventually poor outcomes. Therefore, it is important for anyone to not ignore symptoms that are associated with the GI tract.
Is surgery the best option for GI cancers?
Surgery is one of the main lines of treatment for GI cancers. However, it might not be recommended for all GI cancer patients. Sometimes, GI tumours are hard to access or are inoperable; in such cases, doctors may have to opt for other treatment options, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and/or radiation therapy.
