Overview

A diverse collection of conditions affecting the digestive system includes gastrointestinal malignancies. Several non-modifiable and modifiable risk variables interact to promote the transformation of normal cells into precursor cells, premalignant cells, and malignant cells from premalignant cells. The clinical therapy and etiology of gastrointestinal malignancies vary widely. In this book's chapters, three major categories—epidemiology and pathology, early diagnosis and prognosis, and surgical management—are used to study the therapeutically pertinent facets of this variation. The pathological aspects cover colorectal cancer, how primary colorectal cancer spreads through epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and how macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles promote tumor growth and enable the progression of most gastrointestinal cancers. The etiological aspects are concentrated on stomach cancer.

Types of cancers we treat

✶ Anal cancer

✶ Appendix cancer

✶ Bile duct cancer

✶ Cancer of unknown primary

✶ Colorectal cancer

✶ Esophageal cancer

✶ Liver cancer

✶ Neuroendocrine tumors

✶ Pancreatic cancer

✶ Stomach cancer

Screening/Diagnosis

The doctor would often begin by gathering all of your medical history and completing a physical exam. An esophagram, often known as a barium swallow, is a collection of esophageal x-rays. The patient is instructed to consume a barium solution to cover the esophagus. Then, several x-rays are obtained to check for modifications in the esophagus's shape. The majority of patients have a procedure called an endoscopy in which a thin, flexible, lit tool with a camera is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus. The doctor can see the esophagus' inner layer with this scope. If necessary, biopsies can be performed during this process and given to a pathologist for evaluation under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

A CT scan of the neck, chest, and abdomen can assist the doctor decide on the best course of treatment by revealing whether the cancer has spread to any other body organs. A technique called endoscopic ultrasonography can be utilized to offer a thorough evaluation of the depth of the tumor and the involvement of nearby lymph nodes. With the exception of the ultrasonic imbedded at the scope's tip, this tool is similar to the endoscope mentioned above. Any questionable lymph nodes that are visible can be aspirated using a fine needle under ultrasound supervision.

Treatment

The patient may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, depending on the stage of their esophageal cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are frequently used in combination therapy for esophageal cancer patients. Using methods like endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection, some individuals with extremely early esophageal cancer may undergo an endoscopic excision of the malignancy without surgery.

When cancer cannot be entirely treated, alternative treatments include stretching or dilatation, tube prostheses (stents), and radiation or laser treatment to shrink the malignancy may be used to relieve symptoms.To enhance treatment outcomes and reduce side effects, medical professionals are continually researching better drugs and treatment approaches.