Digestive system cancer includes esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, and rectum or anus. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and treat, while liver cancer progresses rapidly. Stomach cancer risks increase with age and poor diet, and colon cancer is the most common form of digestive tract cancer.
Cancer of the digestive system includes cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colon, which could involve the rectum or anus. Each type of gastrointestinal cancer develops from cells found in the specific organ. Some forms of digestive tract cancer don’t produce symptoms until the disease becomes advanced, but screening may identify cancers at an early stage.
Pancreatic cancer is considered difficult to diagnose and treat because this type of digestive cancer rarely develops early signs. Two types of cells in the pancreas could become cancerous: endocrine cells or exocrine cells. Endocrine cells produce hormones that the body uses for many different functions. Also called islet cells, tumors in these cells rarely become cancerous.
Exocrine cells produce the enzymes needed to digest food. They exist in pockets where 95% of all pancreatic cancers begin. Malignant tumors can cause stomach or back pain, diarrhea or heartburn as the cancer spreads within the pancreas or to nearby organs. In some patients, the skin and whites of the eyes take on a yellowish tint. The prognosis for digestive tract cancer involving the pancreas depends on the stage of the disease, how far it has spread, and the type of abnormal cells.
Primary or secondary liver cancer could develop within the liver or elsewhere before spreading to this organ. The liver is located within the rib cage and acts as a filter for harmful substances. It sends toxic material in urine and feces for excretion and produces bile to digest food. Liver cancers typically progress rapidly to an advanced stage and occur more often in people with cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Stomach cancer usually begins in the cells of the inner lining of the stomach before spreading to other layers. The acids in the stomach break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals for use. Advanced stomach cancer might make swallowing difficult, produce pain, or present as bloody stools. Indigestion, nausea and loss of appetite are other symptoms of the disease. Stomach cancer risks increase with age, poor diet, and other stomach conditions, such as bacterial infections, inflammation, and ulcers.
Colon cancer can develop in the small or large intestine and is the most common form of digestive tract cancer. It could be cured if caught early by surgically removing tumors or a section of the colon where there are cancerous cells. Any changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, smaller stools, or bloody stools could indicate colon cancer. People over the age of 50 and patients with a family history of colon cancer face greater risks of the disease.
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