Overview of gastrointestinal cancer
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer includes all cancers in your digestive tract organs such as the stomach, large and small intestine, pancreas, colon, liver, rectum, anus, and biliary system.
If you are experiencing abnormal GI symptoms or you want to learn more about the disease, our team of specialists is here to help. Dignity Health will support you throughout all stages of gastrointestinal cancer. Find a Doctor near you to learn more about our services.
Symptoms
In the early stages of GI cancer, you may have no symptoms. It is also nearly impossible to feel GI tumors as they develop.
As a result, GI cancers are often identified in screenings before any symptoms are experienced. Or they are diagnosed after they have advanced to the point of causing symptoms at a more serious stage.
When GI cancer is extensive enough to cause symptoms, they may include:
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Bloody or very dark stool
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in consistency or narrowing of the stool
- Difficulty swallowing
- Digestive problems
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Tiredness, weakness, weight loss, or loss of appetite
Types
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer affects the organs of your digestive tract. GI cancers include:
- Anal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Stomach cancer (gastric cancer)
If you are experiencing one of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.