West Cancer Center
Patient Portal

Gastrointestinal

GI Cancer


At West Cancer Center, gastrointestinal cancers are treated using a team-based approach. Our specialists work together to provide personalized care for cancers affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, rectum, and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Because every patient and diagnosis is unique, our team develops an individualized treatment plan focused on expert, compassionate care and the best possible outcomes.

Colorectal Cancer

Starts in the colon or the rectum, often beginning as small growths called polyps.

Risk Factors

• Increasing age

• Family or personal history of polyps or cancer

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Lynch syndrome

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol use

Common Symptoms

• Change in bowel habits

• Blood in stool

• Abdominal pain

• Anemia

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• No symptoms when found by screening

Diagnosis

• Colonoscopy with biopsy

• Blood tests, including CEA

• Staging imaging

• Tumor molecular testing, such as MSI/MMR

Treatment Options

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy for selected rectal cancers

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Selected metastasis-directed procedures

Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Begins in the inner lining of the stomach, frequently linked to Helicobacter pylori.

Risk Factors

• H. pylori infection

• Chronic gastritis

• Smoking

• Family history

• Inherited syndromes

• Diets high in salted or smoked foodsc

Common Symptoms

• Indigestion

• Upper abdominal discomfort

• Early fullness

• Nausea

• Poor appetite

• Weight loss

• Anemia

• Black stools

Diagnosis

• Upper endoscopy with biopsy

• CT/PET staging

• Biomarker testing, such as:

• HER2

• PD-L1

• MSI/MMR

Treatment Options

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy for selected patients

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Nutrition support

Liver Cancer

Originates in liver cells, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common form in adults.

Risk Factors

• Cirrhosis

• Chronic hepatitis B or C

• Heavy alcohol use

• Fatty liver disease

• Aflatoxin exposure

• Inherited liver disorders

Common Symptoms

• Often no symptoms in the early stages

• Right upper abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Jaundice

• Abdominal swelling

• Fatigue

Diagnosis

• Multiphase CT or MRI

• AFP blood testing

• Liver-function assessment

• Biopsy when imaging is not diagnostic

Treatment Options

• Liver resection

• Liver transplant

• Ablation

• Embolization

• Radiation therapy

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Treatment combinations based on stage and liver function

Pancreatic Cancer

Affects the pancreas, impacting cells that make digestive enzymes or blood sugar hormones.

Risk Factors

• Smoking

• Chronic pancreatitis

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Older age

• Family history

• Inherited mutations, such as:

• BRCA1/2

• PALB2

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal or back pain

• Jaundice

• Dark urine

• Pale stools

• Weight loss

• Poor appetite

• Nausea

• New or worsening diabetes

Diagnosis

• Pancreas-protocol CT or MRI

• Endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy

• CA 19-9 blood test

• Germline or tumor testing when appropriate

Treatment Options

• Surgery for resectable disease

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy for selected patients

• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for specific biomarkers

• Supportive care

Esophageal Cancer

Occurs in the food pipe, featuring main subtypes like squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco use

• Heavy alcohol use

• Chronic acid reflux

• Barrett’s esophagus

• Obesity

• Achalasia

• Increasing age

Common Symptoms

• Progressive trouble swallowing

• Pain with swallowing

• Weight loss

• Chest discomfort

• Hoarseness

• Cough

• Anemia

Diagnosis

• Upper endoscopy with biopsy

• Endoscopic ultrasound

• CT/PET staging

• Biomarker testing when appropriate

Treatment Options

• Endoscopic treatment for very early disease

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy

• Nutrition support

Other GI Cancers

Includes small intestine cancer, anal cancer, gallbladder/bile duct cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)

Risk Factors

• Increasing age

• Tobacco or alcohol use

• Chronic inflammation or infection

• Inherited cancer syndromes

• Obesity

• Certain dietary or occupational exposures

• Risk factors vary by the specific cancer

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal pain

• Bleeding

• Changes in bowel habits

• Jaundice

• Nausea

• Unexplained weight loss

• Anemia

• New or unexplained mass

• Symptoms vary depending on the organ involved

Diagnosis

• Endoscopy

• CT or MRI

• Blood tests

• Biopsy

• Tumor biomarker or molecular testing

• Diagnostic testing is tailored to the suspected cancer site

Treatment Options

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy

• Other site-specific treatments

• Treatment depends on the exact cancer, stage, and location