Cancers of the Digestive System
Cancers of the digestive system affect key organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption. These cancers originate in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or nearby organs like the gallbladder and pancreas. Early detection can significantly improve survival outcomes, but in many cases, symptoms develop only in advanced stages.
Types of Cancers of the Digestive System
Oesophageal Cancer (Ca Oesophagus) Affects the oesophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach
Stomach Cancer (Ca Stomach) Also known as gastric cancer, originating from the stomach lining.
.
Gallbladder Cancer (Ca Gallbladder) Begins in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile.
Pancreatic Cancer (Ca Pancreas) Originates in the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion and hormone production.
Colon Cancer (Ca Colon) Develops in the colon, the initial part of the large intestine.
Rectal Cancer (Ca Rectum) Forms in the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine before the anus.
Causes
Genetic mutations: leading to abnormal cell growth
Chronic conditions: GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis
Dietary factors: High-fat, low-fibre, and processed foods
Family history of GI cancers
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Infections: Helicobacter pylori or Hepatitis viruses
Symptoms
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
Difficulty swallowing: (especially with oesophageal cancer)
Changes in bowel habits: Constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in the stool
Bloating, nausea, or vomiting
Jaundice (common in gallbladder and pancreatic cancers)
Loss of appetite and general fatigue
Diagnosis
Endoscopy/Colonoscopy: Visual examination of the GI tract.
Biopsy: Tissue samples examined under a microscope.
Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans to evaluate tumour size and spread.
Blood Tests: Check for tumour markers (e.g., CEA, CA 19-9).
Barium Studies: X-ray with contrast to detect abnormalities.
Treatment Options
Digestive cancers require a customized approach depending on the cancer type, stage, and patient’s condition. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care.
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove the tumour and any affected surrounding tissues, often the first line of treatment if the cancer is localized.
- Gastrectomy: Partial or complete removal of the stomach (used for stomach cancer).
- Colectomy: Removal of a section or the entire colon (for colon cancer).
- Pancreatectomy: Removal of the pancreas or part of it (used for pancreatic cancer).
- Whipple Procedure: A complex surgery that removes parts of the pancreas, bile duct, and stomach (for advanced pancreatic or bile duct cancer).
- Esophagectomy: Removal of a portion of the oesophagus (used in oesophageal cancer).
Surgeries may also include lymph node removal to check for cancer spread. Laparoscopic or robotic surgeries are often used to minimize recovery time.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy or inhibit cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumours or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to prevent recurrence.
- Systemic Chemotherapy: Drugs travel through the bloodstream to attack cancer cells throughout the body.
- Regional Chemotherapy: Targets cancer cells in specific areas of the body.
Common chemotherapy agents for digestive cancers include 5-FU (fluorouracil), capecitabine, and gemcitabine. Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and low immunity.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours. It is often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
- External Beam Radiation: A machine directs radiation at the tumour from outside the body.
- Brachytherapy: Radioactive material is placed inside or near the tumour.
Radiation therapy is particularly useful for oesophageal, rectal, and pancreatic cancers to shrink tumours and relieve symptoms.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs or substances that specifically target proteins or genes that promote cancer growth.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Target specific proteins on cancer cells, such as HER2 (used in stomach cancer).
- Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Block enzymes responsible for cancer cell growth and spread.
Targeted therapy is less likely to affect normal cells, leading to fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy enhances the body’s natural immune response to fight cancer.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs that block proteins used by cancer cells to evade the immune system.
- Cancer Vaccines: Help the immune system recognize cancer cells.
This treatment is mainly used in advanced cases where traditional therapies are ineffective.
Palliative Care and Supportive Treatment
For advanced or metastatic cancers, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include:
- Pain management through medications or nerve blocks
- Nutritional support for patients with difficulty eating or swallowing
- Counselling and emotional support for patients and families
- Management of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or bowel issues
Palliative care is often integrated with curative treatments to enhance patient comfort.
Conclusion
Digestive system cancers require a tailored treatment approach, combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted or immunotherapy based on the patient’s condition. Early detection remains essential for better outcomes, and advanced treatment options now offer hope for improved survival rates. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like healthy eating, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and routine screenings can reduce the risk of these cancers. At every stage, personalized care and supportive treatments help ensure patients receive the best quality care and maintain their quality of life.
To consult the best doctor for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System, click here
The best hospital for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System in India, click here
The best hospital for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System in Bangalore, click here
The best hospital for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System in Chennai, click here
The best hospital for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System in Delhi, click here
The best hospital for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System in Hyderabad, click here
The best hospital for the treatment of Cancers of the Digestive System in Mumbai, click here
