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Gastro Intestinal & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology

Gastro Intestinal & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology

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Overview

Gastrointestinal cancer is the second most common type of cancer present among individuals and represents a heterogeneous complex arrangement of several disorders and diseases. These are divided into rare inherited forms and more frequent sporadic forms.

Amongst the cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract, oesophageal cancer is the commonest followed by colorectal cancers (affecting the colon and rectum) and cancers of the stomach, and the small intestine.

The elementary causes for different types of gastrointestinal cancers vary, but some of the key risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, increasing age, viral and bacterial infections, chronic pancreatitis, and obesity.

Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers include malignant or cancerous tumours originating in the cells of the liver, bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder.

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that takes place in the pancreas, which is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. Pancreatic cancer is more commonly seen in older people as compared to people under the age group of 40 years.

Liver Cancer, which starts in the liver, depends on where it begins and the type of cell it involves.

Bile duct cancer, also termed cholangiocarcinoma, is a very rare form of cancer and occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in a rampant way. Bile ducts are small tubes connecting the liver and gallbladder to the bowel. The bile ducts carry bile which helps in the breakdown of fats in food.

GI Cancer Treatment

Treatment options for GI cancer and HPB cancer rely on factors like cancer's location, stage as well as aggressiveness. The doctor also considers the general health and preferences while framing a plan of treatment.

GI Cancer Surgery

The main goal of surgery is to eradicate cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Operations used for GI cancer include:

  • Curative surgery:
    • Removing the tumours from the site of origin with a margin of healthy tissue
    • Removing the regional lymph nodes
  • Palliative surgery:
    • Surgery to relieve signs and symptoms.

Chemotherapy for GI Cancer

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses certain drugs to eliminate cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs travel throughout the body and kill cancer cells that may have extended away from the site of origin. Chemotherapy sessions can be given before surgery to help constrict cancer so that it can be removed more easily. Chemotherapy is also used post-surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain in the body. Chemotherapy is often combined with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy for GI Cancer

Radiation therapy involves high-power beams of energy to kill cancerous cells. The energy beams are emitted from a machine that moves around as a patient lie on a table. For advanced stomach cancer, which can't be eliminated with surgery, radiation therapy is used to reduce side effects as pain or bleeding occurs due to enlarged cancer.

Targeted Drug Therapy for GI Cancer

Targeted drug treatments concentrate on particular weaknesses lying within cancerous cells. Targeted drug treatments cause cancer cells to die by blocking these weaknesses.

Immunotherapy for GI Cancer

Immunotherapy is a form of drug treatment that helps the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy is used either when the cancer is advanced, if it comes back or if it spreads to other parts of the body.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Vivek Mangla, Director - Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary (GI & HPB) Surgical Oncology on 21-Mar-2022.

FAQs

What are the early symptoms of gastric cancer?

Gastric cancer can manifest in various ways, including difficulty swallowing, feeling full after eating small amounts, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, unintentional weight loss, and vomiting.

What defines the first stage of stomach cancer?

According to the pathological staging system, stage 1 stomach cancer has spread to the inner, supporting, or muscle layer of the stomach.

Is gastrointestinal cancer curable?

When gastric cancer is detected at an early stage, there is a higher chance of recovery. However, gastric cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it challenging to cure. Although it can be treated, the curability of gastric cancer in later stages is rare.

What is the most effective treatment for gastric cancer?

The most appropriate treatment for gastric cancer depends on several factors, including the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy can be effective. Early detection is crucial as it improves the prognosis of gastric cancer.

How long does gastrointestinal surgery typically take?

Gastrointestinal surgery can take anywhere from two to six hours. During the procedure, the affected area is removed, along with some nearby lymph nodes. In cases where the entire stomach is removed, the small intestine and oesophagus are connected.

FAQs Review

FAQs reviewed by Dr. Manish Jain, Principal Consultant, Cancer Care / Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Gastro Intestinal & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology.

Gastro Intestinal & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology: Condition & Treatments

Bile Duct Cancer

Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts. The bile ducts are thin tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. The main function of these bile ducts is to pass the bile fluid from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, which helps to digest the fats. Bile duct cancer is often diagnosed in its advanced stages, making successful treatment and recovery difficult. However, diagnosed timely, the outcomes of surgical treatment are usually good.

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Colorectal Cancer

At Max Hospitals, we understand the criticality of colorectal cancer and the profound impact it can have on patients and their families. Colorectal cancer ranks among the most prevalent and potentially life-threatening malignancies worldwide. However, amidst the challenges posed by this condition, Max Hospitals stands as a beacon of hope and healing. With our multidisciplinary approach and a team of seasoned experts, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients. From advanced diagnostics to personalised treatment plans, our goal is to offer the highest standard of care, tailored to each individual's unique needs. At Max Hospitals, we strive to empower our patients on their journey towards recovery, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes and support every step of the way.

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Gastrointestinal Lymphoma

Gastrointestinal lymphoma (a tumor that forms in the lymphatic system), a rare type of cancer, is the most common extra nodal lymphoma and is usually of non-Hodgkin type. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of gastrointestinal tract lymphoma. It can occur in any part of the digestive tract but most commonly involves the small intestine, stomach, and ileocecal region. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The system includes the widespread organs and tissues that make up the body's immune system (which fights and shields the body against diseases). It also consists of lymph nodes spread throughout the body. Among the different types of cancer cases, gastrointestinal tract lymphoma accounts for 5-10 % of cases.

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Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are soft tissue sarcomas that can occur in any part of the digestive tract. GISTs begin in the specialized nerve cells called interstitial cells of Cajal, located inside the walls of the digestive tract. The digestive system consists of the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, rectum, and anus. These tumors are usually formed in the stomach and small intestine. GISTs are often found in adults ranging between ages 40 and 70, rarely occurring in children or young adults.

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Neuroendocrine Tumour

Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET), a type of tumour, begins in neuroendocrine cells. It can occur in any part of the body, but they are commonly found in the lungs, small intestine, appendix rectum, and pancreas. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are various types of neuroendocrine tumours; few grow slowly while others grow aggressively. Depending on the type of tumour, some produce excess hormones (known as functional NETs), whereas others don't release enough hormones to cause symptoms (known as non-functional NETs). Diagnosis and treatment depend on the tumour's type, size, location, and spread.

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Small Intestine Cancer

Small intestine cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is a long tube that carries digested food from the stomach to the large intestine. The small intestine breaks down and absorbs food particles, fats, nutrients, vitamins, and other substances. Tumor cells may block the small intestine resulting in hold up of intestinal contents and food in the intestine above the level of the tumour resulting in pain and abdominal distention.

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Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

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