Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is a term used to group cancers that affect the gastrointestinal tract and other organs contained within the digestive system.

About Gastrointestinal Cancer

The gastrointestinal tract is a 25-foot-long pathway of hollow organs that extends from the mouth to the anus. Gastrointestinal cancer affects the gastrointestinal tract and other organs that are part of the digestive system, which include the anus, biliary system, colon, esophagus, liver, pancreas, rectum, small intestine, and stomach. Abnormal cell growth along any part of the gastrointestinal tract or any of the associated digestive tract organs can lead to a tumor or cancer. Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting both men and women in the United States but is typically very treatable by a gastrointestinal cancer specialist.

Types of Gastrointestinal Cancer

• Anal cancer
• Biliary tract cancer
• Colorectal/Colon cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Gastric/stomach cancer
• Gastrointestinal stomal tumor (GISTs)
• Liver cancer
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Pancreatic cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Small intestine cancer

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer

Often symptoms are not present until the cancer has become more advanced. Symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer also depend on the type of cancer present. Patients with esophageal cancer may experience difficulty swallowing whereas those with stomach cancer may notice ulcer-like symptoms, such as indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating, or pain. Liver cancer and pancreatic cancer can also lead to abdominal pain, and colorectal cancer often causes unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel function, and bleeding.

Risk Factors for Gastrointestinal Cancer

Researchers have found several factors that can increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer, but it’s not yet clear what exactly causes the cancer.

Common risk factors for gastrointestinal cancers include:

• Age: Though gastrointestinal cancers can occur at any age, they usually affect those over the age of 50.
• Health history: Gastrointestinal cancers are associated with a history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel disease.
• Personal history: Obesity, lack of physical activity or regular exercise, poor diet, diets high in animal protein, saturated fats, or calories, diets low in fiber, smoking, and alcohol consumption may increase your risk for gastrointestinal cancer.

Treating Gastrointestinal Cancer at UT Medicine 

Treatment requires accurate diagnosis and a care plan tailored to the specific type of tumor, the tumor’s location, and the overall needs of the patient. The different behavior of different tumor types helps drive decisions about treatment, which may include combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.