Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Programme

Best Gastrointestinal (Gi) Cancer Treatment Hospital In Delhi

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer includes all the cancers in your digestive tract organs such as the stomach, large intestine, biliary system, small intestine, pancreas, colon, liver, rectum, and anus.

The GI Cancer Programme offers a range of surgeries including -Oesophagectomies, Gastric and Liver Resections, Colectomies, Radical Pancreatic Surgeries, etc. With an unparalleled depth of knowledge, access to innovative research and technology, a caring and compassionate approach, experts at the cancer centre are able to provide each patient with a comprehensive multi-speciality evaluation and a personalised path to the most effective treatment.

The Centre has an extensive treatment expertise for patients with all forms of Gastrointestinal Cancers including Robotic surgeries for Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pancreatic and Gallbladder Cancer, Colon and Rectal Cancer and Liver Resection.

What Is Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Gastrointestinal cancer includes cancer of the organs of the digestive tract, such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus and biliary system.

Causes of gastrointestinal cancer

The exact cause of gastrointestinal cancer is unknown. However, researchers believe that the following factors play a role in gastrointestinal cancer.

Obesity
Infection
Smoking
Environmental risk factors
Family history
Alcohol consumption
High intake of salt
High animal fat diet

Associated anatomy

The following organs are associated with gastrointestinal cancer

Stomach
Liver
PancreaS
Small intestine
Large intestine
Rectum
Anus
Biliary system

The staging system is different for diffent organs in GI tract.

Natural progression
Gastrointestinal cancer is asymptomatic initially, then symptoms like loss of appetite and weight loss appear. It may further progress to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dysphagia.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer is a term that encompasses a group of cancers that affect the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract. The GI cancer includes cancers of the:

Oesophagus
Stomach
Liver
Pancreas
Gallbladder
Biliary tract
Small intestine
Colon
Rectum
Anus

What Are The Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer vary, depending upon the type of cancer. It may include:

Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
Sudden variation in bowel habits, such as consistency, frequency or shape
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Bloating
Fatigue
Indigestion
Feeling bloated after meals
Heartburn
Loss of appetite
Swelling in your stomach
Constipation or diarrhoea
Weakness or feeling tired
Nausea/vomiting
Yellowish eyes or skin
Unintentional weight loss

How Is Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors conduct many tests to diagnose cancer and ascertain if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Gastrointestinal Cancer is often diagnosed using the following tests:

Endoscopic examinations
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
Barium Studies
Imaging Studies
1. CT Scan
2. MRI Scan
3. PET Scan
- Contrast Studies
Diagnostic Laparoscopy

What Are The Possible Treatments For Gastrointestinal Cancer?

There are varied treatment options to remove or cure cancer within the digestive tract and nearby tissues. These may include surgical processes, therapies or a combination of both.

There are four main types of surgical processes:
1. Endoluminal Laser Process: This technique involves removal of an early-stage tumour found in the digestive tract.
2. Open Surgery: The GI cancer indications are treated using the conventional techniques
3. Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Surgery technique is used for this surgery involving very less operative morbidity
Radiation therapy: Involves the use of high-energy waves to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence
Chemotherapy: Involves the use of Chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence
Targeted Therapy: Targets cancer specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival
Immunotherapy: Involves the use of medicines that prompt the body's immune system or natural defences to destroy cancer

A patient might get Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, or Targeted Therapy along with surgery or radiation. This multidisciplinary approach helps in treating the residual cancer cells, during other forms of treatment.

What Are The Precautions One Must Take To Avoid Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Keep a healthy weight.
If you have ulcers from an H. pylori infection, get proper treatment for the infection
If you take aspirin daily to prevent heart problems or NSAID drugs for arthritis, then talk to your doctor for its use.
Be physically more active, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
Eat healthy food and avoid too much alcohol consumption.
Avoid the use of tobacco and stop smoking.