OVERVIEWGastrointestinal oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating cancers of the digestive system. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a collective term that refers to cancers originating in the GI tract's organs. Esophageal, stomach, liver, and colorectal cancers are the most common GI cancers reported in India.
Across the HCG Network, we have some of the best GI cancer specialists in India who specialise in gastrointestinal oncology and are well-versed in accurately diagnosing, treating, and managing gastrointestinal cancers using modern technologies and new-age treatment approaches.
Types
Esophageal cancer
arises from the cells present in the esophagus (food pipe).
Stomach cancer
arises from the lining of the stomach.
Small intestine cancer
forms in the inner lining of the small intestine.
Colorectal cancer
refers to cancers that form in the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
Liver cancer
forms in the liver cells.
Gallbladder cancer
forms when the gallbladder cells start dividing abnormally.
Bile duct cancer
arises from abnormal cells present in the bile duct.
Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastrointestinal cancer management requires a multidisciplinary approach. As the best GI cancer hospital in India, we strive to deliver the highest quality cancer care with the help of our specialised tumour board consisting of experts from various disciplines. They carefully review each case before devising personalised treatment plans that aim to improve the survival rates and quality of life among patients.
Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Oncologists recommend a wide array of tests for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers. A complete physical examination and medical history assessment will also be done to get a better understanding of the symptoms and their possible causes. The following are the commonly recommended tests for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers:
Lab Tests:
Tests that look for specific biomarkers that indicate the presence of gastrointestinal cancers.
Biopsy:
Removal of a small portion of tissue from the suspected area to examine for the presence of cancer cells under a microscope.
Endoscopy:
Insertion of a flexible tube fitted with a camera through the mouth or anus to examine the upper or lower GI tract for anomalies, and sometimes to collect biopsy samples.
Imaging Tests:
MRI scans, PET-CT scans, etc., are recommended to gain more information about the tumour, such as its exact location, size, stage, and grade.
Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancers
The treatment plan for gastrointestinal cancers is created after considering various factors, namely the type of cancer, its origin, its stage, its size and shape, the exact location of the tumour, the patient’s age, the patient’s overall health status, and the patient’s preferences. Following are the different treatment options available for gastrointestinal cancers:
Surgery, which is the primary treatment for gastrointestinal cancers, is aimed at removing cancerous tissues. It can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic procedures, depending on the cancer type, stage, and patient's health.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR):
Removes early-stage tumours in the GI lining through endoscopy.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD):
Removes larger tumours in the GI tract minimally invasively.
Laparoscopic surgery:
Removes early-stage GI cancers through small incisions and specialised tools.
Esophagectomy:
Partially or completely removes the esophagus.
Polypectomy:
Removes polyps in the colon to reduce colon cancer risk.
Gastrectomy:
Removes all or part of the stomach.
Cholecystectomy:
Removes the gallbladder.
Whipple procedure:
Complex surgery for pancreatic cancer that removes parts of the pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, and stomach.
Hepatectomy:
Removes all or part of the liver.
Colectomy:
Removes all or part of the colon.
Proctectomy:
Removes all or part of the rectum.
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for gastrointestinal cancers, administered internally or externally, often combined with chemotherapy and surgery for better results. It may also help manage pain in advanced-stage cases.
Systemic therapies aim to kill cancer cells throughout the body and are useful in managing cancers that have spread. The following systemic therapies are recommended for gastrointestinal cancers:
Chemotherapy:
Strong drugs are used to destroy cancer cells. May be recommended before or after surgery to shrink the tumour or destroy residual cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:
Stimulates the patient's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Often administered along with other treatments for better treatment response.
Targeted Therapy:
Targets specific proteins or biomolecules responsible for cancer cell formation and growth. Reduces damage to healthy tissues by blocking molecules or pathways responsible for cancer growth.
