What is GI Cancer?
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is cancer that affects any part of the GI tract, one of the body’s major organ systems. The GI system functions to take in nutrition and water, process and break down food, and eliminate solid waste. Additionally, the GI system is also responsible for producing several crucial hormones and dealing with certain toxins.
What are the Types of GI Cancer?
There are dozens of specific kinds of GI cancer, but a few include:
Esophageal Cancer
Cancer of the esophagus mainly consists of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is more common in the West, while squamous cell carcinoma is mainly seen in Eastern nations.
- Risk factors include chronic gastric reflux (heartburn), being male, heavy alcohol use, and smoking.
- Symptoms of esophageal cancer can be swelling and pain in the throat, a persistent cough, upper chest pain, and abnormal weight loss.
- Possible treatments for esophageal cancer include a combination of radiation therapy, surgical intervention, and chemotherapy.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric or stomach cancer is more prevalent in Eastern regions.
- Excessive alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, the presence of H. pylori bacteria, and chronic stomach inflammation can increase the risk of gastric cancer.
- Symptoms include frequent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, and severe fatigue.
- The typical treatment for stomach cancer is surgery combined with chemotherapy.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is quite common, especially among people over the age of 55.
- Smoking, being obese, and eating an unhealthy diet low in fiber may increase the risk for colorectal cancer.
- There are few overt symptoms of colorectal cancer, although blood in the stool can be a sign.
- Surgery is often employed along with chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer. Additionally, Sheba Medical Center has hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment available. This groundbreaking therapy uses high doses of heated chemotherapy drugs to “bathe” the abdominal cavity, treating tumors that have spread to this area.
Holistic Treatment for Tailor-Made Medicine at Sheba Medical Center
The fact that Sheba has top physicians from a variety of disciplines means that we can offer our patients tailor-made medicine personalized to their unique circumstances and needs. Whether they need chemotherapy, surgery, or other advanced treatments, patients at Sheba receive care from an exceptional team.
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