| Gastrointestinal Cancers |
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General information about the gastrointestinal systemThe gastrointestinal system (GI) is the system that brings food into the body and makes it absorbable. The main purposes of the gastrointestinal system are to eat, digest, absorb, and elimination of waste. What is gastrointestinal cancer?
Signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal cancerGastrointestinal cancer is often slow growing and often has no signs and symptoms in early stages. Depending on the type, stage, and location of your gastrointestinal cancer, signs and symptoms will vary. Symptoms could include:
Traditional treatment options for gastrointestinal cancerTreatment options will vary depending on the location of gastrointestinal cancer. Traditional treatments can begin with the removal of the organ that contains the cancer, or resectioning of the bowel. Treatment options could include the use of toxic medicines. Your doctor may also suggest:
Radiation therapy may also be considered an option for some gastrointestinal cancer patients. Radiation therapy is used in an attempt to destroy cancerous cells and cause a reduction in tumor size. It is most often used for gastrointestinal cancer that has metastasized. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often performed simultaneously.
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