Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment at Garnet Health

A diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer can seemingly come out of nowhere. Possibly you weren’t feeling well and you chalked it up to an ordinary stomach bug or perhaps a gallbladder attack. But then you saw a doctor and heard the word “cancer.” What’s your next step?

You’ll find expert treatment, compassionate support and everything else you need to take on your fight against cancer at Garnet Health. The multidisciplinary team comprising our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program is knowledgeable, skilled, friendly and experienced, and we take a precise, collaborative and highly communicative approach to cancer care. This includes partnering with you and your family. Working together, we will ensure that you receive individualized treatment in a comfortable environment especially conducive to healing.

What Is Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Gastrointestinal cancer can develop anywhere in your digestive tract, an approximately 25-foot-long pathway from your mouth to your anus that includes your:

• Esophagus
• Gall bladder
• Stomach
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Colon

After cellular DNA changes cause abnormal cells to grow and divide very rapidly, a tumor can form in any of these organs when abnormal cells bind.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms

In many cases, symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer do not become noticeable until the tumor grows and reaches an advanced stage. The most common sign is abdominal pain, which is often easily attributed to a less serious condition, such as a stomach virus. Some people also experience early satiety, which is a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.

The early signs of gastrointestinal cancer can also vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Esophageal cancer often causes difficulty swallowing; gastric cancer may produce ulcer-like symptoms, such as loss of appetite, bloating and indigestion. Colorectal cancer — the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer — usually causes bowel changes and bloody stools.

If you have symptoms that concern you, don’t delay care. We encourage you to consult with a gastrointestinal oncologist at Garnet Health. The key to effective treatment for gastrointestinal cancer is an early, accurate diagnosis, which is readily available to you here in Orange or Sullivan County. 

Causes

While the precise causes of gastrointestinal cancer are unclear, researchers have identified several risk factors, including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet. Certain underlying medical conditions may also play a role in its development, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A Helicobacter pylori infection
• Hepatitis B or C
• Cirrhosis

Additionally, a small percentage of gastrointestinal cancers are believed to be inherited.

Treatment

Gastrointestinal cancer treatment can vary based on the type, location and stage of the tumor. Surgery, often the primary treatment, involves removal of the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. If necessary to restore digestive function, an anastomosis procedure may be performed to reconnect the remaining portions of the organs partially removed. If the location of a tumor would complicate its removal or if its removal would significantly affect digestive function, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapy may be an alternative to surgery. 

Receive Comprehensive Care in the Hudson Valley

At Garnet Health, our goal is not only to provide you with excellent clinical care but also to fully support you throughout your gastrointestinal cancer journey. We look forward to helping you transition from a cancer patient to a cancer survivor.

Garnet Health provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and supportive care services for gastrointestinal cancers in Orange and Sullivan Counties, including Middletown, Harris and Callicoon, NY.