Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a rare form of cancer that originates in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors start in the cells (interstitial cells of Cajal) that work with the nervous system to signal the digestive tract to digest food.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors can form anywhere along the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the anus. The most frequent sites are the stomach and small intestine.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, is uncommon in the United States. Stomach cancer occurs most frequently in Japan. Although the cause of stomach cancer is unknown, it appears to be associated with a diet that is high in smoked, salted, and pickled foods. With the use of refrigeration to preserve foods, the rates of stomach cancer have declined.
Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer originates in the cells of the liver. Metastasized liver cancer occurs when cancer from other locations in the body spreads to the liver. Liver cancer that is identified and treated early is associated with the best outcomes. In some cases, surgery or a liver transplant may cure liver cancer. When a cure is not possible, radiation therapy may be used to relieve the symptoms of liver cancer and improve the quality of life.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer results when the cells in the pancreas grow abnormally and out of control instead of dividing in an orderly manner. The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. Although the vast majority of pancreatic tumors are cancerous, some are not cancerous. Pancreatic cancer that is diagnosed and treated early is associated with the best outcomes. Treatments for pancreatic cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of therapies.
Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the interior lining of the colon or large intestine grow abnormally and out of control. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown.
In most cases, colon cancers begin as a benign or non-cancerous polyp. A polyp is a small growth that projects out from the inside lining of the colon. Not all polyps turn into cancer. Polyps that turn into cancer typically take several years to do so. Screening for colon cancer allows polyps to be detected and removed early, which may prevent the development of cancer.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is cancer that develops in the rectum. The rectum is the last six inches of the large intestine. Bleeding and a change in bowel patterns are common symptoms of rectal cancer. Most rectal cancers are treated with surgery and radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both.
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. It results when cells in the anus grow abnormally and out of control. The anus is the opening at the end of the rectum through which waste products pass when you have a bowel movement. Treatment for anal cancer may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of treatments. Anal cancer that is diagnosed and treated early is associated with the best outcomes.