Gastro-Intestinal Cancer
Gastro-intestinal cancer is a broad term used to encompass all cancers of the Gastro-intestinal tract. This includes cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bowel. A brief overview of each cancer is provided here.
Oesophageal Cancer
Oesophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the swallowing tube that passes from the mouth/throat to the stomach. Some risk factors for cancer of the oesophagus are long-term exposure to smoking, heavy alcohol intake and Barrett's oesophagitis.
Gallbladder Cancer
The gallbladder is the digestive organ that stores bile (produced in the liver). The gallbladder digests and absorbs fats in the intestines. One risk factor for cancer of the gallbladder is gallstones.
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is a small glandular organ, approximately six inches long, located in the upper abdomen. The pancreas is connected to the small intestine and secretes enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in this organ. It is often called a silent disease because during the early stages of the disease there are very few, if any symptoms.
Stomach Cancer
The stomach is the major organ that holds food for digestion. Stomach cancer is commonly referred to as gastric cancer and can develop in any part of this organ. The symptoms of stomach cancer are not well defined, however, loss of appetite and weight loss are sometimes indicators. Stomach ulcers are not necessarily risk factors for the development of stomach cancer.
Liver Cancer
The liver is the largest glandular organ of the body. The liver performs an important range of functions in the digestive system including detoxification and the storage of vitamins and minerals. Most cancers involving the liver are cancer cells that have spread from other areas, such as the colon, breast or lung. Cancers originating in the liver do exist, however, these are more common in people of Asiatic origin.
Small Intestine Cancer
The intestines are the hose-like portions of the digestive system that extend from the lower end of the stomach to the rectum. The small intestine is a very compact organ that winds back and forth within the abdominal cavity (approximately 22 feet). The small intestines primary function is to absorb nutrients.
Colon Cancer
The colon (or large intestine) is the lower part of the hose-like portion of the digestive system. The colon extends from the lower end of the stomach to the rectum. Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from within the inner wall of the large intestine. Risk factor for cancer of the colon include heredity, colon polyps, and long standing ulcerative colitis. The NHMRC have published guidelines pertaining to the management of colon cancer.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer develops as a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the end (rectum) of the large intestine. This type of cancer is commonly known as rectal or colo-rectal cancer.
