Gastrointestinal cancer accounts for about 20 percent of all newly diagnosed cases of cancer in the United States each year. It affects the organs of the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. In many cases, symptoms do not appear until the cancer has spread to other organs or is more advanced. Anton Bilchik MD wants you to be aware that often the symptoms may be vague and non-specific.
In general, gastrointestinal cancers may cause abdominal pain, loss of appetite, blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting and even jaundice. Vague symptoms include unexplained fatigue or weakness or unintentional weight loss.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer tends to develop slowly, over the course of many years; the slow onset of this disease can make it harder to recognize vague symptoms as being important. The stomach is a muscular sac located in the upper middle abdomen, just below the ribs. The stomach receives and holds food, and plays a role in breaking down the food so you can digest it. Stomach cancer begins in the mucus-producing cells lining the inside of the stomach.
The symptoms also reflect its anatomical position and function. These symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, bloating after eating or feeling full after consuming only small amounts of food. Someone might also experience severe and persistent heartburn, pain, indigestion, or unexplained nausea that will not go away.
Small Intestinal Cancer
Small Intestinal cancer affects the small intestine, which is a long tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine. It includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The function of the small intestine is to break down foods and absorbs nutrients and amino acids. These cancers are more rare.
Small intestinal tumors can block the flow of food and inhibit digestion. As the tumor grows, it may cause abdominal pain; a noticeable lump may appear in the abdomen. Tumors can bleed to cause black, tarry stools. Anemia from poor digestion may cause weakness and fatigue. Unexplained weight loss may also occur.
Colorectal Cancer
The colon and rectum are the lower parts of the large intestine. Cancer that affects the colon or rectum, a condition known as colorectal cancer, occurs when tumors form on the inner lining of the large intestine. Colorectal tumors often begin as polyps, or non-cancerous clumps of cells that cause few, if any symptoms. In time, some of these polyps may become cancerous.
Symptoms include a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of the stool. Bleeding polyps may cause rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Someone with colorectal cancer may have persistent abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas, or bloating. He may feel as if he does not completely empty his bowel. As with other types of gastrointestinal cancer, a person with colorectal cancer may experience fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Anton Bilchik feels it is important that everyone know the symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer, as early detection improves treatment outcome. Contact Dr. Bilchik to learn more.
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