Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and accessory organs of digestion. This includes:
Oesophageal Cancer
Liver Cancer
Stomach Cancer
Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST)
Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Colorectal Cancer
Small Bowel Cancer
Anal Cancer
Gastric (stomach) cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. It begins in the stomach lining and can spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Most cases are adenocarcinomas, though rarer forms include gastrointestinal stromal tumours, carcinoid tumours, and lymphomas.
A key risk factor is infection with Helicobacter pylori, which can cause inflammation and ulcers. Other risks include a family history of stomach cancer, certain inherited genetic syndromes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, a high-salt diet, and exposure to industrial chemicals. Men and people of African American, Hispanic, or Asian descent face higher risk.
Early stages often produce few or no symptoms. When present, warning signs may include difficulty swallowing, stomach pain or discomfort, bloating after small meals, nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood), blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss. Because these symptoms can mimic common digestive issues, medical evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis.
Colorectal cancers form when malignant cells grow in the colon or the rectum. Because GI cancers and colorectal cancers are closely related, they make up a distinct family of cancers.
Source: Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Symptoms & Stages | UPMC
