GI Cancers Specialist

What are GI cancers?

GI cancers, which include cancers of your digestive tract, can spread to other parts of your body when left untreated. Examples of GI cancers include cancers of the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Rectum
• Anus
• Liver 
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder

GI cancers often start small and increase in size over time or spread to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment is the best way to help you make a full recovery. 

What are the symptoms of GI cancers?

The signs and symptoms you can experience with GI cancers depend on the type of cancer you have and its stage. You might notice:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Appetite changes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain 
• Jaundice
• Unexplained weight loss
• Muscle wasting
• Blood in stool

At the first sign of new or unusual digestive or bowel changes, see the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, team for an evaluation. 

What are the risk factors for GI cancers?

GI cancers can happen to anybody, but some factors increase your risk of getting these common types of cancers. Examples include:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor dietary habits
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Family history of GI cancer
• Personal history of cancer
• Smoking
• Other GI problems
• Chronic diseases

Routine GI cancer screening can help your specialist detect gastrointestinal cancers before they become serious. To reduce your risk of GI cancer, maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy foods, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

How does my doctor diagnose GI cancers?

To find out if you have GI cancer and its type and severity, your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination and may recommend you undergo endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, CT scans, ultrasound, angiography, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis.

What are my GI cancer treatment options?

Your GI cancer treatment plan depends on the type of cancer you have and its stage. Your cancer specialist may recommend:

Surgery

Your provider can complete surgery to remove cancerous tissues within your GI tract. They may remove parts of your stomach or intestines, or other GI organs as needed.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses drug treatments to enhance your body’s immune system and ability to fight cancer. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to shrink or kill cancer cells within your GI tract. Your doctor can administer chemotherapy via IV while you relax on a comfortable reclining chair.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses targeted X-rays or protons to destroy cancer cells, prevent cancer from spreading, and help you recover as quickly as possible.

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your  cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you  have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

At the first sign of GI cancers, or if you have cancer risk factors, call the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, office nearest you or book an appointment online today.