GI Cancers

Medical Oncology and Hematology Specialist in Toms River, NJ

GI Cancers services offered in Toms River, NJ

Some of the many gastrointestinal (GI) cancers include esophageal, stomach, liver, and colorectal cancers. If you have one of these conditions, visit Chirag Shah, MD, at Advanced Cancer Care of New Jersey, PC, in Toms River, New Jersey. Dr. Shah and his colleagues provide cutting-edge medical treatments for all GI cancers, using the most effective strategies to prevent tumors from spreading and destroying cancerous cells. To find out how you can benefit from their expertise in GI cancers, call Advanced Cancer Care of New Jersey, PC, or book an appointment online today.

GI Cancers Q & A

What are GI cancers?

GI (gastrointestinal) cancers develop in your digestive system, which extends from your esophagus to your anus. Within this area are your stomach; organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder; small and large intestines; and rectum, all of which play a significant role in digesting your food and eliminating waste.

GI cancers form when cells in these tissues and organs multiply at an accelerated rate due to a genetic mutation. Cancer cells don’t have a restricted lifespan like normal cells, so instead of dying and being replaced by new cells, the fast-growing cancer cells develop into masses or tumors. GI cancers include:

Esophageal cancer
Stomach cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Liver cancer
Colon cancer
Rectal cancer
Anal cancer

Your risk of developing GI cancers increases as you get older. Other factors that raise your risk of GI cancers include smoking, excess alcohol consumption, a family history of GI cancers, and disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or hepatitis.

What symptoms do GI cancers cause?

The symptoms you experience with GI cancer vary depending on your diagnosis. For instance, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a symptom of esophageal cancer, while rectal bleeding might indicate colorectal cancers. Symptoms common to several GI cancers include:

Abdominal pain
Appetite changes
Unintended weight loss
Changes in bowel function
Bloating

It’s important to be aware that GI cancer symptoms often fail to appear until the tumor reaches an advanced stage. If you notice any symptoms, arrange an exam with Dr. Shah as soon as possible. You should also take advantage of screening procedures for GI cancers that detect the earlier stages of the disease.

Diagnosing GI cancer might require an endoscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures use flexible pipes that have a light and a tiny camera on one end. An endoscope goes down your throat to check for upper GI tract cancers, while a colonoscope examines your lower GI tract via the anus and rectum.

How are GI cancers treated?

Advanced Cancer Care of New Jersey, PC, provides expert treatment for GI cancers. The approach that’s best for you depends on factors like the kind of cancer, how advanced it is, your age, and other health problems you may have. Options include: