Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastrointestinal cancers often go undetected until symptoms become severe and the condition has already progressed to late stage cancer. There is also much ground to cover, as the gastrointestinal system spans from the mouth to the anus. Types of gastrointestinal cancer may affect the esophagus, gallbladder and biliary tract, liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, bowel (large intestine or colon) and rectum.
These cancers are often detected when a patient complains of symptoms and undergoes an examination using endoscopic or radiographic imaging as part of a screening process with a gastroenterologist. Dr. Yamini is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions, including the removal of colon polyps to prevent the development of cancer.
Due to the large number of different types of cancer which may develop in the digestive tract, patients are advised to undergo regular screenings if there is a family history or other risk factors associated with cancer.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer?
Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, severe heartburn, coughing and hoarseness are some of the common signs of esophageal cancer. Sufferers may also experience sudden weight loss which occurs in the absence of any change to diet or exercise. These symptoms are always cause for concern, so it is important to schedule a screening with a specialist like Dr. Yamini right away. If cancer is confirmed in the esophagus alone, the five year survival rate is 43 percent, which is one of the many reasons it is so important to seek diagnosis and treatment early.
While your symptoms may indicate a more benign health problem, it is the recommendation of Dr. Yamini that you arrange a consultation at your earliest convenience. Contact us today to help us detect gastrointestinal cancers early, and increase your prognosis for survival.