What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, bowels, and anus. The symptoms relate to the organ affected, and can include obstruction (leading to difficulty swallowing or defecating), abnormal bleeding, or other associated problems.

Risk Factors of Gastroinestinal Cancers

Risk factors include high salt consumption, high nitrate consumption, low dietary vitamin A and C, lack of food refrigeration, Helicobacter Pylori infection, cigarette smoking, precursor lesions, and other occupational and genetic factors.

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Common symptoms can include: dysphagia, indigestion, early satiety, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss are the common symptoms. Unexplained nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also symptoms.

Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Diagnosing GI tumors can occur in a number of ways. Colonocopies, endoscopies, barium studies and biopsies are the most common ways to diagnose these kinds of tumors.

Treatment Options for Gastorintestinal Cancer at Premier Cancer Center:

• TomoTherapy H Series
• Cyberknife M6 for Recurrent Treatment 
  

Most Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy to the GI tract

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue