What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?
The Gastrointestinal structure of the body contains all the essential digestive tracts from the mouth to the anus. The stomach to the intestines starts from the esophagus, and this is the structure responsible for digesting all your food and providing nutrients to the body. Cancer can develop in any of these structures because of any genetic, lifestyle, or other underlying conditions.
Cancer is formed when there is a mutation of healthy cells to abnormal ones, which grow faster to create a tumor. Some of the best hospitals in Bangalore can effectively provide treatment for these cancers.
Additionally, cancer can develop in the stomach, esophagus, gallbladder, bowels, rectum, anus, liver, and pancreas and then travel to any other parts. This type of cancer often affects more men than women and usually in 50-70 years. Though treatments can cure the condition, they can be more effective if the diagnosis is in the early stage. With such kinds of cancer, the symptoms usually don’t show in the early stage, making the treatment harder.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Cancer.
The cause of the condition varies with genetics, lifestyle choices of the people, or any other underlying cause. One of the best hospitals in Bangalore creates programs to bring more awareness to these types of cancers by choosing more lifestyle-enhancing practices such as eating right and exercising.
Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer.
Usually, the symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer do not show until there is advancement in the tumor. Symptoms also rely on the type of cancer you have. For instance, people with esophageal cancer can face difficulties with swallowing food, while a patient with gastric cancer can face more ulcer-like symptoms in nature. But the symptoms can be:
- Pain in the abdomen or discomfort
- Changing the behavior of your bowel habits
- Bleeding in the rectal area
- Bloating
- Sudden loss of hunger
- Nausea or vomiting (with a full or empty stomach)
- Weight-loss without any cause
- Fatigue and lethargy
Since lifestyle choices impact you contracting these types of cancers, screenings have been starting earlier than usual. More people are encouraged to lead better and healthier lives to avoid them.
What is the diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer?
The doctor will only conduct a diagnosis when he has a reason to suspect that you have this condition. This diagnosis also depends on your symptoms, and the doctor will perform the following tests to rule it out.
Endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
This will highlight any changes or tumors in the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestines.
Colonoscopy
This test will check the colon and the rectum for any potential they may have of having their polyps turn cancerous.
Lab tests
These will help to eliminate if there are any changes in the blood.
Body Imaging
These include all the MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT scan, and PET scan. These bring to light any abnormality in the tissue growth anywhere inside the digestive system.
Biopsy
This means physically test the abnormal tissue for any cancer.
What is the treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer?
If the tumor is easy to reach, a simple surgery can be the solution to take it out. If such a possibility is unlikely, then the doctor will perform chemotherapy or radiation therapy on the target. Usually, if the cancer is not in the later stage, then these procedures have a significant success rate on their own.
Furthermore, in surgical procedures, the doctor will remove the tumor along with any other surrounding tissue. Moreover, after the treatment to restore the organ’s function, the doctor will perform a procedure known as anastomosis. This helps to restore the role of the remaining healthy parts of the organ.
However, in severe cases where cancer has advanced tremendously, the doctors only alleviate the symptoms and their effects rather than treat the disease itself.
How can I lower my chances of getting Gastrointestinal Cancer?
This type of cancer has more chances to affect men than women and contracting one increases with age. Studies show that you have more options for alleviating the condition if you don’t smoke, lower alcohol consumption, and eat healthier meals. Additionally, you get a small chance from your genetics, so choose a healthier lifestyle.
Keeping fit by exercising, adding more greens and fruits to your diet keeps you maintain your health in check. So try to keep a proactive approach when it comes to health and prioritize it above everything else. However, it is advisable to seek professional help if you experience any of the above symptoms immediately.
