Gastrointestinal (Gi) Cancer Treatment at Yashoda Hospital

The Gastrointestinal Oncology Team at Yashoda Cancer Institute is touted to be one of the best teams of top specialists in the field. With an unparalleled depth of knowledge, access to modern and innovative research and technology, plus a caring and compassionate approach. Our doctors are able to perform a wide range of surgeries, including gastric and liver resections, oesophagectomies, colectomies, radical pancreatic surgeries, etc. with most of these are being performed using state-of-the-art robotic technology.

We follow a caring and compassionate approach to provide each patient with a comprehensive multi-specialty evaluation and a personalized path to the most effective treatment.

We at Yashoda know how important health is for a human being. Therefore, we have implemented several strategies that address and identify people's health needs. You will be glad to know that we have extensive treatment expertise for patients with all forms of gastrointestinal cancers.

What Is Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is an umbrella term encompassing a group of cancers that affect the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract.

GI cancer involves cancer from:

• Oesophagus
• Stomach
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Biliary tract
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Rectum
• Anus

What are the symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer?

There are various symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer, depending upon the type of cancer. It may include:

• Difficulty in Swallowing
• Blood in Vomitus
• Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• Sudden variation in bowel habits, such as consistency, frequency or shape
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Bloating
• Fatigue 
• Indigestion
• Feeling bloated after you eat a meal
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling or lump in abdomen
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Weakness or feeling tired
• Nausea/vomiting
• Yellowish eyes or skin
• Clay Coloured stool/ tarry black stool
• Unintentional weight lossHow is Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosed?

To learn if cancer has spread to another part of the body, Doctors conduct many tests to diagnose cancer. Gastrointestinal Cancer is often diagnosed using the following tests:

• Endoscopic examinations
• Upper GL endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Ultrasonography
• Barium Studies
• Imaging Studies
• CT Scan
• MRI Scan
• PET Scan
• Contrast Studies
• Diagnostic Laparoscopy

What Are The Possible Treatments For Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Some treatments to remove or cure cancer within the digestive tract and nearby tissues include:

• Surgical process: There are four types of surgeries:
• Endoluminal laser technology: Removal of an early-stage tumour found in the digestive tract.
• Open Surgery: GI cancer indications are treated using conventional techniques.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Surgery is performed using very less operative morbidity and earlier return to normal.
• Radiation therapy: Involve the use of high-energy waves to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence.
• Chemotherapy: Involve the use of Chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence.
• Targeted therapy: This therapy targets cancer's specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival.
• Immunotherapy: This therapy involves the use of medicines that prompt the body's immune system or natural defenses to destroy cancer.

A patient might get hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy along with surgery or radiation. The multidisciplinary approach help in treating the residual cancer cells during other forms of treatment.

What Are The Precautions One Should Take To Avoid Gastrointestinal Cancer?

• Keep a healthy weight.
• If you have ulcers from an H. pylori infection, take proper treatment for the infection
• If you take aspirin daily to prevent heart problems or NSAID drugs for arthritis, then talk to your doctor for its use.
• Be physically more active, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Eat healthy food and avoid too much alcohol consumption.
• Avoid the use of tobacco and stop smoking.

Are There Any Risk Factors Involved?

Some of the major factors that lead to Gastrointestinal Cancer include:

• Chewing Tobacco
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Increasing age
• Diet high in animal fat
• Diets having a high amount of salt, or contain poorly preserved foods, smoked foods
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Obesity
• Stomach surgery for an ulcer
• Type-A blood group
• Epstein-Barr virus infection
• Certain genes
• Working in coal, metal, timber, or rubber industries
• Exposure to asbestos
• 4Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C Virus Infection