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Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, and our lifestyle plays a vital role in it. Gastrointestinal cancer is among the most reported cancers with alarming numbers. Gastrointestinal cancer is a medical condition that involves the growth of cancer cells in the digestive tract comprising organs such as the stomach, large and small intestine, pancreas, colon, liver, rectum, anus, and biliary system. The not-so-wise and thoughtful eating habits affect our gut health and digestion mechanism, which when happens for a long period results in severe health problems like GI cancer. At Manipal Hospitals, we have a team of expert gastroenterologists in Patiala who can offer optimal care and create a treatment plan that offers holistic healing and faster recovery.
Let's break down GI cancer and try to understand its types, risks, treatment and prevention.
Types of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer affects the organs of your digestive tract. GI cancers include:
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Anal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer.
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Esophageal cancer.
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Gallbladder cancer.
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Liver cancer.
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Pancreatic cancer.
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Small intestine cancer.
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Stomach cancer (gastric cancer)
Risk Factors for GI Cancer
Each form of GI cancer has different risk factors. However, many of them might be influenced by lifestyle choices. These include being overweight, not exercising, smoking, eating poorly, and drinking excessively. You can be more prone to get the illness if you have a family history of it. Other danger signs consist of:
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Infection with hepatitis A or B (liver cancer).
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Infection with H. Pylori (gastric cancer).
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Consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
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Being obese or overweight.
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Having received a prior GI cancer or another cancer diagnosis.
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Prior operations on one or more digestive system organs a family history of GI cancer.
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Developing colon or stomach polyps in the past.
Symptoms of GI Cancer
The symptoms of GI Cancer might not be very severe or persistent in the early stage but may turn grave as it advances. The following are some commonly reported symptoms in the case of GI cancer:
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Abdominal cramping or pain.
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Bloody or very dark stool.
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Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in consistency or narrowing of the stool.
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Indigestion.
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Heartburn.
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Difficulty swallowing.
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Digestive problems.
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Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Swelling in the abdomen.
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Tiredness, weakness, weight loss, or loss of appetite.
The presence of these symptoms does not mean that you have GI cancer, they can be due to some other disease also. GI cancer can only be confirmed after certain medical tests which include: Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, CT Scan, MRI Scan, PET Scan, and laparoscopy studies.
Visit the best gastroenterology hospital in Patiala if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Treatment Options for Gastrointestinal Cancer
Cancers of the digestive tract and adjacent tissues can be treated in a variety of ways. These could include treatments, operations, or a combination of the two. A surgical process is used to remove the tumour from the body. Post-surgery chemotherapy is given to kill the cancer cells in the body. Following this, radiation therapy is offered to inhibit the recurrence of the cancer cells. Immunotherapy is given after radiation, it utilises medications to strengthen the body's defences against cancer-causing cells. In order to treat problems or guide the immune system to kill cancer cells, specialised medications are given to restore the patient's immune system.
Prevention of GI Cancer
A healthy diet that includes leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, beta-carotene and ascorbic acid can reduce the chances of developing GI cancer. In addition to eating healthy, one should also refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol as they may also have adverse effects on your health. Switching to an active lifestyle is the best thing you can do for your health, so exercise, stay active, stay happy and make thoughtful choices. Go for regular full body health checkups for early detection of diseases and timely treatment in case there is anything amiss. You can rely on our gastroenterologists for gastro-related treatment in Patiala.
Bookmark our blog page to read the latest blogs by doctors on various topical health issues. Manipal Hospital Patiala’s Blog page aims to disseminate accurate medical information to the readers and persuade them to make thoughtful choices and stay healthy. In addition, we also want you to know about all the possible treatment options in case you have been diagnosed with any disease or disorder and are seeking treatment.
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