It is a term for the group of cancers that affect the digestive system. This includes cancers of the oesophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, bowel (large intestine or colon and rectum), and anus. GI Cancers do not discriminate between men and women.
What are Thoracic Malignancies?
Thoracic malignancies include cancer of esophagus, lung and mediastinum (all cancers within the rib cage).
Causes of GI, Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Smoking and consumption of alcohol
Infection with bacteria known as Hpylori, known to cause ulcers in the stomach
Heavy consumption of smoked meat, fish and food with high quantity of salt
Recent study has shown that obesity is a predisposing risk factor
Symptoms of GI, Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Blood loss
Abdominal (belly) discomfort or pain
A mass or swelling in the abdomen
Nausea, vomiting
Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Swallowing problems (for tumors in the Oesophagus)
Blood in sputum
Chronic cough
Preventions of GI, Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Avoid exposure to risk factors that can be modified like not taking salty, smoked or processed foods
Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables in your diet
If you have a Helicobacter pylori infection, get treated to avoid stomach ulcer and gastritis
Avoiding tobacco (in any form) and alcohol intake
Maintaining a healthy weight
Treating reflux disease (heartburn)
Diagnosis of GI, Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Upper GI endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD)
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
Imaging tests: CT, X-ray, MRI, PET & NACT
Biopsy
Barium swallow
Bronchoscopy
thoracocentesis
Treatment of GI, Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Endoscopic resection for very early cancers
Surgery
Chemotherapy (use of drugs)
Radiotherapy
Palliative surgery is done for cancers that cannot be removed completely
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be helpful in advanced stomach cancers
Salient Features of GI, Lung and Thoracic Cancer
Well experienced & specially trained GI, Lung & Thoracic Cancer expert used to operate through endoscopic, laparoscopic, robotic surgery and open methods
Protocol and evidence-based treatment to get the best outcomes
Team of full-time dedicated specialists available 24 x 7
Sub-specialty based treatment of all cancers to get the best results