Gastrointestinal Cancer Overview

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer can develop in any part of the digestive system, a vast network of organs that helps the body digest food and absorb essential nutrients. Often, GI tumors begin as benign growths (polyps) that undergo harmful cellular changes that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably. Over time, the abnormal cells can build up and form cancerous tumors. GI cancer is relatively common and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Types

Gastrointestinal cancer is categorized based on its site of origin. The main types are:

Each type of gastrointestinal cancer has unique characteristics, including the location of the tumor, the cells involved and the typical symptoms. The optimal treatment and prognosis for each type of GI cancer can vary.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Gastrointestinal cancer is caused by genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth in the digestive system. These mutations can be inherited or acquired over time. Risk factors for GI cancer include:

  • A family history of GI cancer
  • Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
  • Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
  • A diet high in red or processed meats
  • Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract
  • Certain infections, such as Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to stomach cancer, and hepatitis B and C, which are linked to liver cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer Signs and Symptoms

GI cancer can produce a variety of symptoms depending on the type, location and stage of the tumor.

What Does Gastrointestinal Cancer Feel Like?

Symptoms of GI cancer that can be felt include:

  • Difficult or painful swallowing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal bloating
  • An uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the abdomen, even after eating only a small amount of food
  • General fatigue

What Does Gastrointestinal Cancer Look Like?

Symptoms of GI cancer that may be seen include:

  • Narrow stools
  • Bloody, dark or tarry stools
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Bloody vomit
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Unexplained weight loss

Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosis

The diagnostic process for GI cancer typically involves a combination of tests and procedures, such as:

  • Imaging – Computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help a physician visualize the digestive tract and surrounding tissues.
  • Blood work – A blood sample may be tested for certain proteins and other substances (tumor markers) that may indicate GI cancer.
  • Endoscopy – A physician may perform an upper endoscopy, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to directly visualize the GI tract and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
  • Biopsy – A sample of suspicious tissue will be microscopically examined by a pathologist, who can identify cancerous cells and confirm a diagnosis of GI cancer.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Stages

After GI cancer is diagnosed, staging is performed to evaluate the extent and spread of the tumor, which can help a physician plan treatment and better predict the prognosis. The staging process can vary based on the type of GI cancer. Most physicians use a standardized format, such as the TNM system, which involves assigning a stage based on:

  • The size of the primary tumor
  • Whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Whether the cancer has metastasized to distant organs

Stage 1 Gastrointestinal Cancer

At stage 1, the GI tumor is localized to the inner layers of the digestive tract and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or metastasized to distant organs. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, surgery is followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to help prevent a recurrence. The prognosis for stage 1 GI cancer is favorable, with a high likelihood of cure if the tumor can be completely removed and there is no evidence of cancer spread. Regular follow-up care is important to monitor for signs of recurrence.

Stage 2 Gastrointestinal Cancer

At stage 2, the GI tumor has grown more deeply into the wall of the digestive tract but has not spread beyond the organ it originated in. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor along with some nearby lymph nodes. Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. The prognosis for stage 2 GI cancer can vary depending on the specific type and location of the tumor, as well as other factors such as the patient’s overall health and response to treatment. Regular follow-up care is important to monitor for signs of recurrence or new cancer development. With appropriate treatment, many patients can achieve a positive outcome.

Stage 3 Gastrointestinal Cancer

At stage 3, the GI tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not metastasized to distant organs. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The goals of treatment are to remove as much of the tumor as possible, destroy any remaining cancerous cells and prevent the cancer from spreading further. The prognosis for stage 3 GI cancer can vary depending on the specific type and location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health and response to treatment. Regular follow-up care is important to monitor for signs of recurrence or new cancer development. While the outlook for late-stage GI cancer is generally less favorable than that for earlier-stage tumors, many patients can achieve a positive outcome with appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

Stage 4 Gastrointestinal Cancer

At stage 4, the GI tumor has metastasized to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs, which can complicate treatment. Options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery in some cases. Treatment for late-stage gastrointestinal cancer generally focuses on managing the symptoms, improving the patient’s quality of life and slowing the progression of the cancer. Ongoing advances in GI cancer treatment and supportive care are continually improving outcomes. However, the individual prognosis can vary based on factors such as the type and location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health and response to treatment.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment

The optimal treatment approach for GI cancer can vary depending on several factors, including the type and stage of the tumor and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Options may include a combination of:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Benefit From World-Class Care at TGH

For more than two decades, TGH has been firmly positioned on the leading edge of GI cancer treatment. The dedicated team in our Colorectal Oncology Program focuses exclusively on treating colon and rectal tumors. As pioneers of innovation in cancer care, we perform more transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedures than any other hospital in West Central Florida. If you would like to learn more about gastrointestinal cancer, contact Tampa General Hospital at (800) 822-3627 to request an appointment with an expert in our Cancer Institute in Tampa, FL.

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