Oncological Services - Affordable Cancer Care Treatment Centers

Cancer is one of the major causes of disabilities, disorders, and deaths across the globe. Among all types of cancer, gastrointestinal cancer follows an unusual distribution pattern. Commonly known as stomach cancer, these deadly gastric tumours usually occur in people aged between 50-70 years. However, they have a greater frequency among male individuals. Some oncological services employ minimally invasive techniques that help patients to recover faster and quickly return to normal life. 

What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Gastrointestinal cancer is a collective term that consists of a group of cancers that affect the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. An ulcer or lump within the stomach causes them. Gradually, they scatter throughout the other regions of the stomach. 

Gastrointestinal cancer comprises cancer in the following organs:

Oesophagus 

Liver

Gallbladder

Colon

Pancreas

Stomach

Biliary tract

Small intestine

Anus

Rectum

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer?

The symptoms and signs of gastrointestinal cancer may differ based on the type of cancer a person has. A few of the symptoms observed are as follows:

Discomfort and abdominal pain

Abrupt changes in bowel habits, such as shape, frequency, and consistency

Unusual loss of weight

Bloating

Vomiting/Nausea

Fatigue

Indigestion

Loss of appetite

Swelling in your stomach

Heartburn

Diarrhoea or constipation

Yellowish skin or eyes

How do oncologists diagnose gastrointestinal cancer?

The oncological services comprise various tests to diagnose and identify the spread of infection. A few of these medical tests are as follows:

Endoscopic examinations: In this method, a tiny camera is anchored to a narrow tube and passed down to the stomach through the throat. If doctors detect any infected area, they send the infected tissue for biopsy. Doctors employ the following endoscopic techniques: 

Upper GI endoscopy

Colonoscopy

Imaging studies: Imaging studies or tests help identify stomach cancers by employing special X-ray diagnosis and computerized methods. Imaging tests comprise the following: 

CT scan

MRI scan

PET scan

Contrast studies

Diagnostic laparoscopy: This method employs a laparoscope to observe an infected organ. A laparoscope is an advanced version of an endoscope that helps perform minimally invasive surgeries. 

Barium studies: This method involves radiographic testing by using barium X-ray. In this process, a patient swallows barium, making a chalky coating in the digestive tract. Additionally, the oncologists make the patient drink carbonated liquid to fill the stomach with gas and separate the stomach walls. This way, it helps diagnose the abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract. 

What are the treatments for gastrointestinal cancer?

There are various oncological treatments to cure cancer in the gastrointestinal tract and nearby organs. They may include surgical processes, non-invasive therapies, or a combination of both. 

Surgical or invasive methods – Oncologists use surgical or invasive techniques to cure gastrointestinal cancer if it has not infected other organs. A few of these invasive methods are as follows:

Endoluminal Laser Process: This oncology treatment process involves the removal of tumours caused by early-stage cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Open surgery: This process employs traditional surgical methods to cure cancer-affected areas. 

Laparoscopic surgery: Laparoscopic surgery or keyhole surgery is a minimally invasive technique that ensures faster recovery of a patient. 

Radiation therapy is one of the most commonly used techniques to treat gastrointestinal cancer. This oncology treatment method employs high-intensity rays such as X-rays and protons to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes, this technique is followed by surgeries because the rays make it easier to remove tumours by minimizing their size. In addition, it is employed after surgeries to destroy the remnants of cancer cells. 

For gastroesophageal junction cancer, oncologists use chemotherapy and radiation therapy simultaneously. This combination is known as chemoradiotherapy. Usually, this treatment is followed by surgery. However, radiation therapy helps reduce the side effects of large tumours in advanced cancer stages. 

Chemotherapy – This method involves rigorous medications that comprise chemicals to destroy cancer cells. These drugs transmute throughout your body and kill cancer cells that spread to infect other tissues and organs. This process also helps prevent the recurrence of cancer cells. 

Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is the process of revitalizing a patient’s immune system. This process makes the body capable of fighting the abnormalities on its own. Some of the drugs used in immunotherapy are as follows:

Herceptin

Cyramza

Stivarga

Sutent

Gleevec

Some of the best and most affordable cancer treatment centres, such as Health29, cater to a combination of chemoradiotherapy and immunotherapy at a feasible cost. This helps cure cancer and prevent its recurrence simultaneously.

Conclusion

Consulting a GI specialist is necessary to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and quick relief. Healthcare 29 is one of the best affordable cancer treatment centres that cater to multidisciplinary approaches at a feasible rate. If you are suffering from GI cancer, you are just one call away from the cure. Contact Health29 right away to receive guidance regarding the appropriate treatment.