What does GI Oncology encompass?

GI Oncology, or Gastrointestinal Oncology, is the medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers affecting the digestive system, including organs like the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts.

What are common types of GI cancers?

Common GI cancers include colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer (gastric cancer), pancreatic cancer, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and cancers of the bile ducts.

How are GI cancers typically diagnosed?

Diagnosis often involves a combination of endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, gastroscopy), imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), blood tests (including tumor markers), and a biopsy for definitive pathological confirmation of cancer cells.

What are the main treatment approaches for GI cancers?

Treatment varies based on cancer type and stage but commonly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Often, a multidisciplinary approach combining several of these modalities is used.