Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancers

GI cancers can affect various parts of the digestive system, and symptoms may vary depending on the specific type of cancer and its location. Common symptoms include:

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying, often due to decreased appetite or difficulty eating.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort in the abdomen, which may be vague or localized.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: Persistent diarrhea or constipation, or changes in stool shape and size.
  • Blood in Stool: Bright red or dark, tarry stools may indicate digestive tract bleeding.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea, vomiting, or feeling full after small meals, common in stomach or pancreatic cancers.
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Pain or difficulty swallowing, often linked to esophageal cancer.
• Fatigue: Ongoing tiredness or weakness that does not improve with rest, often a sign of advanced disease.
• Anemia: Weakness and pallor due to low red blood cell counts from chronic bleeding from tumors.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, commonly linked to liver or bile duct cancers.
• Changes in Appetite: Decreased appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount.
• Abdominal Swelling: Swelling or bloating in the abdomen, which may be a sign of fluid accumulation or tumor growth.

Common Treatment Options

• Surgery
  • Tumor Resection
  • Total or Partial Gastrectomy
  • Colectomy
  • Pancreatectomy
  • Liver Resection
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Endoscopic Treatments

Multidisciplinary Care Approach

The treatment of gastrointestinal cancers involves a team of specialists, including:

• Medical Oncologists: Experts in systemic treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Surgical Oncologists: Perform surgical procedures to remove tumors and affected tissues.
• Radiation Oncologists: Experts in administering radiation therapy.
• Gastroenterologists: Specialists in digestive health and endoscopic procedures.
• Nurses and Support Staff: Provide essential care and emotional support throughout the treatment journey.

Supportive Care and Rehabilitation

Supportive care helps improve patients' quality of life during treatment:

• Palliative Care: Manages symptoms, pain relief, and improves quality of life throughout the treatment process.
• Nutritional Support: Crucial for patients experiencing difficulty eating or weight loss during treatment.