Gastrointestinal cancer is when something goes wrong with the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The symptoms depend on which part of the digestive system is affected and can include things like difficulty swallowing or defecating, or bleeding that isn't normal. To diagnose it, doctors usually do an endoscopy and take a sample of tissue from the part of the digestive system that seems to be causing the problem. How we treat it depends on where the tumour is, what type of cancer cell it is and whether it has spread to other tissues or organs. These factors also affect how likely it is that the cancer will come back.
It's really important to know that esophageal cancer is the sixth-most-common cancer in the world, and that its incidence is increasing. It's also worth knowing that three to five males are affected for every female. There's a region where the incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) is more than a hundred times that of areas right next to it, stretching from north-eastern China through central Asia to northern Iran. Ethiopia also has a notably high incidence. There are two main types of esophageal cancer—adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The good news is that, worldwide, the two types are equally common. However, in developed countries like North America and Europe, adenocarcinoma is the more common type.
Unfortunately, cancer of the esophagus often goes undetected in the early stages, as there are typically no early symptoms. Nevertheless, if the cancer is caught early enough, patients can have a five-year survival rate of 90% or above. But, unfortunately, by the time it's usually detected, the cancer might have spread beyond the esophageal wall, and the survival rate drops significantly.In China, the overall five-year survival rate for advanced esophageal cancer is about 20%, and in the United States it's about 15%. Stomach cancerMain article: Stomach cancerCancer of the stomach, also called gastric cancer, is the fourth-most-common type of cancer and the second-highest cause of cancer death globally. Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia) is a high-risk area for gastric cancer, and North America, Australia, New Zealand and western and northern Africa are areas with low risk.The most common type of gastric cancer is adenocarcinoma. ocarcinoma, which causes about 750,000 deaths each year. There are important factors that may contribute to the development of gastric cancer, including diet, smoking and alcohol consumption, genetic aspects (including a number of heritable syndromes) and infections (for example, Helicobacter pylori or Epstein-Barr virus) and pernicious anaemia. Chemotherapy improves survival compared to best supportive care.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers: Types by Anatomical Location
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are cancers that begin in the organs that make up the digestive system. This system includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, anus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. GI cancers are classified into different types based on the organ where they originate. Here's a detailed breakdown by anatomical location:
1. Esophageal Cancer
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer has two main types:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Begins in the cells lining the inner surface of the esophagus. It usually occurs in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus. Smoking and alcohol use are significant risk factors.
Adenocarcinoma: Begins in the glandular cells in the lower part of the esophagus. Barrett's esophagus (changes in the esophageal lining due to chronic acid reflux) is a major risk factor for adenocarcinoma.
2. Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)
Stomach cancer begins in the inner lining of the stomach. The most common type is adenocarcinoma. Other less common types include lymphoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Helicobacter pylori infection, consumption of processed foods, and salty foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
3. Small Intestine Cancer
Small intestine cancer is relatively rare. The main types include:
Adenocarcinoma: The most common type.
Carcinoid Tumors: Originate from hormone-producing cells.
Lymphoma: Originates from lymphoid tissue.
Sarcoma: Originates from connective tissue.
4. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer begins in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as small, noncancerous (benign) growths called polyps. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous. Colonoscopy screening is crucial for early detection and removal of polyps.
5. Anal Cancer
Anal cancer begins in the tissues of the anus. Most anal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
6. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Liver cancer has two main types:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Begins in the main liver cells (hepatocytes) and is the most common type of liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, and alcohol use are significant risk factors for HCC.
Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): Begins in the bile ducts.
Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas. The most common type is ductal adenocarcinoma. Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is often difficult because it usually doesn't cause symptoms until it's advanced. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and family history are among the risk factors.
8. Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer
These cancers begin in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Conditions like gallstones and primary sclerosing cholangitis are among the risk factors.
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