Digestive cancer is a disease that develops within the digestive system,
which includes the esophagus, liver, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and
rectum. This disease can develop in any area of the digestive system and
can even spread to other areas of the body. Our team of board-certified
oncologists at Calaway•Young Cancer Center work diligently to provide
exceptional medical care to the men and women of Glenwood Springs, CO.
We also follow a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of cancer
and research all avenues of care to provide the best service possible.
To learn more, call our office in Glenwood Springs today.
Types of Digestive Cancer
There are many different types of digestive cancer, which are distinguished
by where is it found within the digestive system and the cells it involves.
A common type of digestive cancer includes adenocarcinoma, which begins
in the inner lining of the stomach, however, cancerous tumors can arise
in all areas of the digestive tract, including the:
Liver
Esophagus
Stomach
Intestines
Rectum
Pancreas
What Causes Digestive Cancer?
Digestive cancer is caused by a mutation in the DNA of cells within the
digestive tract. Doctors are unsure of what causes this mutation, but
we do know that there are some risk factors that can enhance one’s
chances of developing digestive cancer. These include the chronic use
of certain substances, poor nutrition, age, race, and gender.
Symptoms of Digestive Cancer
The most common signs and symptoms of digestive cancer may include:
Chronic, unexplained stomach pain
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Extreme heartburn
Severe or constant indigestion
Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
Unintentional weight loss
Bloating
Fatigue
How Digestive Cancer Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing digestive cancer often begins with a review of your symptoms,
medical history, and a physical examination. Depending on your symptoms
and the area of the digestive tract involved, your provider may recommend
imaging tests, blood tests, endoscopic procedures, or a biopsy to evaluate
abnormal tissue. If cancer is detected, additional testing may be performed
to determine the type and stage of the disease. Once a diagnosis has been
confirmed, your care team will use this information to develop a personalized
treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Digestive Cancer Treatment Options
At Calaway•Young Cancer Center, we offer a long list of treatment
options for digestive cancer, including a wide variety of radiation treatments,
chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Prior to any treatment, our cancer team
will sit down with you and your loved one to discuss all your options,
the side effects and risks involved, and which therapy may be ideal for
you. We understand that being diagnosed and treated for cancer is a life-altering
event, which is why we also offer cancer support services.
See a Specialist
If you or your loved one has been recently diagnosed with digestive cancer,
we invite you to call Calaway•Young Cancer Center. Our seasoned medical
team can sit down with you to discuss all your treatment options and how
to move forward from here. We can also connect you with cancer support
groups so you can be surrounded by a loving and caring community of people
who are also battling cancer.
Call us today at
(970) 384-7570 to learn more about our digestive cancer treatment options
