Gastrointestinal Cancer
Services provided by the Gastrointestinal (GI) Program at Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center includes individualized, patient-focused screening/early detection, diagnosis, and multi-disciplinary treatment of malignant and high-risk diseases of the lower (colon, rectum, and anus) and upper gastrointestinal tracts (esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, and small bowel). Therapeutic treatment options may entail implementation of the latest proven strategies incorporating surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or any combination of the above. In addition, symptom management and survivorship services are also available.
Our evidence-based collaborative team approach to treating patients with cancer, which incorporates the various disciplines of surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, supportive care/pain management, nursing, rehabilitation services, nutrition, and social work is a unique distinguishing strength; and one that makes the patient the focal point and recipient of the best in comprehensive and compassionate care.
Understanding more about these cancers can help you better understand the treatment that may be selected for you or your loved one, based on genetic profile, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. For more information about scheduling an appointment at Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s, please call (602) 406-8222.
- Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Small Intestine Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer often starts in a polyp, an overgrowth of cells from the epithelium (the top layer of cells) of the colon wall. Although all polyps grow from the inner layer (mucosa) of the colon, not all polyps are the same. Adenomas are the most common type of polyp and while most don’t become cancer, the majority of polyps with cancer start as adenomas. The possibility of a polyp becoming cancerous increases with age. Almost all polyps can be easily removed during a routine colonoscopy, which is why a colonoscopy is so important for people 50 and over—it can definitively prevent cancer.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer forms in the tissues of the rectum, the part of the digestive system which, along with the anal canal, makes up the last part of the large intestine and is 6 to 8 inches long. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The colon is the first part of the large intestine and is about 5 feet long. Together, the rectum and anal canal make up the last part of the large intestine and are 6-8 inches long.
Sometimes cancer can affect both the colon and the rectum, and sometimes it can affect one or the other. Nearly 133,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with these cancers this year, representing about 8 percent of all cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute. The symptoms are similar for both colon and rectal cancers:
- a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
- a feeling of incomplete elimination, even after you go to the bathroom
- rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool
- cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
- weakness and/or fatigue
For more information specifically about rectal cancer, visit this page put together by the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/colorectal. For information about survival rates for colorectal cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts /html/colorect.html.
Esophagus Cancer
The esophagus is a muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Smoking and heavy alcohol use increase the risk of what’s known as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and what’s known as Barrett esophagus may increase the risk of what’s called esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because there are no early signs or symptoms.
For more information about esophageal cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer. gov/types/esophageal.
Nearly 17,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer this year. For information about survival rates for cervical cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/esoph.html.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose in the early stages because there are few signs or symptoms. Gallbladder cancer may be found when the gallbladder is checked for gallstones or removed. Symptoms of this cancer may include:
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- pain above the stomach
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- bloating
- lumps in the abdomen
For more information specifically about gallbladder cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/gallbladder. The National Cancer Institute estimates that nearly 11,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with this type of cancer. For information about treatments for gallbladder cancer, visit cancer.gov/types/gallbladder/patient/gallbladder-treatment-pdq.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the liver. Cancer that spreads, or metastasizes, from another organ to the liver, is not considered liver cancer. That is considered cancer affecting the location where it began. As many as 36,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with primary liver cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. The majority are age 64 and over; liver cancer is rare in children and teenagers.
Symptoms of primary liver cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, include
- weight loss without trying
- loss of appetite
- feeling very full after a small meal
- nausea or vomiting
- an enlarged liver, felt as a mass under the ribs on the right side
- an enlarged spleen, felt as a mass under the ribs on the left side
- pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade
- swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
- itching
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
For more information specifically about primary liver cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/liver. For information about survival rates for liver cancer, visit cancer.gov/statfacts/html/livibd.html.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer typically doesn’t secrete hormones and doesn’t cause obvious signs or symptoms. This makes it hard to diagnose early. For the majority of patients with the most common kind of pancreatic cancer - called exocrine pancreatic cancer—current treatments do not cure the cancer. As many as 49,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with pancreatic cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, can include:
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- nausea and vomiting
- itchy skin, palms, and soles of feet
- lack of appetite
- abdominal or back pain
- an enlarged gallbladder that can sometimes be felt by a doctor as a large lump under the right ribcage during a physical exam
- pale, floating stools. This symptom can be an early clue and is often overlooked.
- sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- uneven texture of the fatty tissue beneath the skin
For more information specifically about pancreatic cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/pancreatic. For information about survival rates for pancreatic cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/pancreas.html.
Small Intestine Cancer
Small intestine cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer, accounting for less than 1 percent of all new cancers diagnosed in the U.S. in a single calendar year. It occurs in the long, coiled tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine. The small intestine, or small bowel, receives food from the stomach, helps break it down, and absorbs nutrients that are used by the body. The three parts of the small intestine are the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The jejunum is located between the duodenum and the ileum. The duodenum connects to the stomach, and the ileum connects to the colon.
Small intestine cancer often starts in the duodenum. The most common type of small intestine cancer is adenocarcinoma. The most common type of small intestine cancer is adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Symptoms of small intestine cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, include:
- pain in the belly
- weight loss without trying
- weakness and fatigue
- low red blood cell counts (anemia)
For more information specifically about small intestine cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/small-intestine. About 9,400 Americans are diagnosed every year with small intestine cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. For information about survival rates for colorectal cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/smint.html.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) forms in the lining of the stomach. The stomach is in the upper abdomen and helps digest food. Almost all gastric cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Infection with bacteria called H. pylori is a common cause of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because there are no early signs or symptoms. Symptoms, though uncommon, of stomach cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, can include:
- poor appetite
- weight loss without trying
- belly pain
- vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
- a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating a small meal
- heartburn or indigestion
- nausea
- vomiting , with or without blood
- swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
- low red blood cell count (anemia)
For more information specifically about stomach cancer, visit this page from the National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/types/stomach. About 24,600 Americans are diagnosed with stomach cancer every year, according to the National Cancer Institute. For information about survival rates for stomach cancer, visit seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/stomach.html.
Treatment you may receive
There are three ways to treat gastrointestinal cancers: surgery, radiation, and medications. Your oncologist at the Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s will help you understand which treatment is most appropriate for you.
Questions to ask your oncologist
- What is my diagnosis and prognosis?
- What is your experience in treating the cancer I have?
- How will you determine the best treatment for me?
- How long does each treatment option typically last, both individually and as a series of treatments?
- How will you know if the treatment is making progress?
For more information about various types of cancer, cancer staging and treatment options, click on this link from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): NCCN Guidelines for Patients® - nccn.org/patients/default.aspx.
For more information about scheduling an appointment at the Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s, please call (602) 406-8222.