| Gastrointestinal cancer |
| Classification and external resources |
| Specialty |
oncology |
| ICD-10 |
C15 - C26 |
Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and accessory organs of digestion, including the esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The symptoms relate to the organ affected and can include obstruction (leading to difficulty swallowing or defecating), abnormal bleeding or other associated problems. The diagnosis often requires endoscopy, followed by biopsy of suspicious tissue. The treatment depends on the location of the tumor, as well as the type of cancer cell and whether it has invaded other tissues or spread elsewhere. These factors also determine the prognosis.
Overall, the GI tract and the accessory organs of digestion (pancreas, liver, gall bladder) are responsible for more cancers and more deaths from cancer than any other system in the body.[1][2] There is significant geographic variation in the rates of different gastrointestinal cancers.[1]
Contents
- 1 Upper digestive tract
- 1.1 Esophageal cancer
- 1.2 Stomach cancer
- 1.3 Pancreatic cancer
- 1.4 Liver cancer
- 1.5 Gallbladder cancer
- 1.6 Other
- 2 Lower digestive tract
- 2.1 Colorectal cancer
- 2.2 Anal cancer
- 2.3 Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor
- 3 References
- 4 External links
Upper digestive tract
Esophageal cancer
Age-standardised death rates from esophageal cancer, as reported by the WHO in 2004.
[3]
Main article: Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is the sixth-most-common cancer in the world, and its incidence is increasing.[4] Some three to five males are affected for each female.[4] An "esophageal cancer belt," in which the incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is more than a hundred times that of adjacent areas, extends from northeastern China through central Asia to northern Iran.[1] Ethiopia also has a notably high incidence.[4] There are two main types of esophageal cancer—adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Worldwide, the incidence of each type is about the same, but in developed countries like North America and Europe adenocarcinoma is the more common.[4]
Cancer of the esophagus is often detected late inasmuch as there are typically no early symptoms. Nevertheless, if the cancer is caught soon enough, patients can have a five-year survival rate of 90% or above. By the time esophageal cancer is usually detected, though, it might have spread beyond the esophageal wall, and the survival rate drops significantly. In China, the overall five-year survival rate for advanced esophageal cancer is about 20%, and in the United States it is about 15%.[4]
Stomach cancer
Main article: Gastric cancer
Cancer of the stomach, also called gastric cancer, is the fourth-most-common type of cancer and the second-highest cause of cancer death globally.[2] Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia) is a high-risk area for gastric cancer, and North America, Australia, New Zealand and western and northern Africa are areas with low risk.[5] The most common type of gastric cancer is adenocarcinoma, which causes about 750,000 deaths each year.[6] Important factors that may contribute to the development of gastric cancer include diet, smoking and alcohol consumption, genetic aspects (including a number of heritable syndromes) and infections (for example, Helicobacter pylori or Epstein-Barr virus) and pernicious anemia.[1][6]
Pancreatic cancer
Upper and Lower human gastrointestinal tract
Main article: Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fifth-most-common cause of cancer deaths in the United States,[7] and the seventh most common in Europe.[8] In 2008, globally there were 280,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer reported and 265,000 deaths.[9] These cancers are classified as endocrine or nonendocrine tumors. The most common is ductal adenocarcinoma.[1] The most significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer are advanced age (over 60) and smoking.[7] Chronic pancreatitis, diabetes or other conditions may also be involved in their development.[2] Early pancreatic cancer does not tend to result in any symptom, but when a tumor is advanced, a patient may experience severe pain in the upper abdomen, possibly radiating to the back.[7] Another symptom might be jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.[8]
Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis,[2] with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, it is usually at an advanced, inoperable stage.[8] Only one in about fifteen to twenty patients is curative surgery attempted.[10] Pancreatic cancer tends to be aggressive, and it resists radiotherapy and chemotherapy.[9]
Liver cancer
Main article: Hepatocellular carcinoma
People get liver cancer (also called hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC or hepatoma) typically from a prolonged Hepatitis B or C infection or as a result of cirrhosis from chronic alcoholism. Liver cancer may bring about yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), itching (pruritis), or cause a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites). A person may feel an enlarging mass, or the cancer might be revealed by abnormal liver function tests.[11]:664–666
An attending practitioner might order a biopsy, an MRI or a CT scan, and a patient might be monitored through blood tests (including alpha-fetoprotein, liver-function tests or ultrasound. These cancers are typically treated according to their TNM stage and whether or not cirrhosis is present. Options include surgical resection, embolisation, ablation or a liver transplant.[12]:969–970
Gallbladder cancer
Main article: Gallbladder cancer
Cancers of the gallbladder are typically adenocarcinomas, and are common in elderly women. Gallbladder cancer is strongly associated with gallstones, a porcelain gallbladder appearance on ultrasound, and the presence of polyps within the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer may manifest with weight loss, jaundice, and pain in the upper right of. It is typically diagnosed with ultrasound and staged with CT. The prognosis for gallbladder cancer is poor.[12]:981
Other
- MALT lymphoma is a cancer of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, usually in the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors represent from 1% to 3% of gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Cancers of the biliary tree, including cholangiocarcinoma.
Lower digestive tract
Colorectal cancer
Example of an invasive colorectal cancer.
Main article: Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a disease of old age: It typically originates in the secretory cells lining the gut, and risk factors include diets low in vegetable fibre and high in fat. If a younger person gets such a cancer, it is often associated with hereditary syndromes like Peutz-Jegher's, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or familial adenomatous polyposis.[11]:619–620 Colorectal cancer can be detected through the bleeding of a polyp, colicky bowel pain, a bowel obstruction or the biopsy of a polyp at a screening colonoscopy. A constant feeling of having to go to the toilet or anemia might also point to this kind of cancer.[12]:911
Use of a colonoscope can find these cancers, and a biopsy can reveal the extent of the involvement of the bowel wall. Removal of a section of the colon is necessary for treatment, with or without chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer has a comparatively good prognosis when detected early.[12]:911–912
Anal cancer
Main article: Anal cancer
An important anatomic landmark in anal cancer is the pectinate line (dentate line), which is located about 1–2 cm from the anal verge (where the anal mucosa of the anal canal becomes skin).[13] Anal cancers located above this line (towards the head) are more likely to be carcinomas, whilst those located below (towards the feet) are more likely to be squamous cell carcinomas that may ulcerate. Anal cancer is strongly associated with ulcerative colitis and the sexually transmissible infections HPV and HIV. Anal cancer may be a cause of constipation or tenesmus, or may be felt as a palpable mass, although it may occasionally present as an ulcerative form.[14]:580
Anal cancer is investigated by biopsy and may be treated by excision and radiotherapy, or with external beam radiotherapy and adjunctive chemotherapy. The five-year survival rate with the latter procedure is above 70%.[14]:580
Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor
A gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor is a rare, slow-growing form of cancer that affects certain cells in the lining of the stomach and intestines. The cells it affects make hormones that regulate the production of digestive juices and muscles that move food through the stomach and intestines. This kind of cancer usually occurs in the appendix, small intestine, or rectum. Its presence is associated with an increased risk of cancers affecting the other parts of the digestive system. It is usually treated with surgery.[15]
References
- ^ a b c d e Yamada T, Alpers DH et al. (2009). Textbook of gastroenterology (5th ed.). Chichester, West Sussex: Blackwell Pub. pp. 603, 1028. ISBN 978-1-4051-6911-0. OCLC 404100761.
- ^ a b c d Bjelakovic, G; Nikolova, D; Simonetti, RG; Gluud, C (Jul 16, 2008). "Antioxidant supplements for preventing gastrointestinal cancers.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (3): CD004183. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004183.pub3. PMID 18677777.
- ^ "Death and DALY estimates for 2004 by cause for WHO Member States (Persons, all ages)". WHO. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
- ^ a b c d e Yang, S; Wu, S; Huang, Y; Shao, Y; Chen, XY; Xian, L; Zheng, J; Wen, Y; Chen, X; Li, H; Yang, C (Dec 12, 2012). "Screening for oesophageal cancer.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 12: CD007883. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007883.pub2. PMID 23235651.
- ^ Bennett, C; Wang, Y; Pan, T (Oct 7, 2009). "Endoscopic mucosal resection for early gastric cancer.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (4): CD004276. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004276.pub3. PMID 19821324.
- ^ a b O'Connor, A; McNamara, D; O'Moráin, CA (Sep 23, 2013). "Surveillance of gastric intestinal metaplasia for the prevention of gastric cancer.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 9: CD009322. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009322.pub2. PMID 24062262.
- ^ a b c Arcidiacono, PG; Calori, G; Carrara, S; McNicol, ED; Testoni, PA (Mar 16, 2011). "Celiac plexus block for pancreatic cancer pain in adults.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (3): CD007519. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007519.pub2. PMID 21412903.
- ^ a b c Moss, AC; Morris, E; Mac Mathuna, P (Apr 19, 2006). "Palliative biliary stents for obstructing pancreatic carcinoma.". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2): CD004200. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004200.pub4. PMID 16625598.
- ^ a b Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan; Kumar, Senthil; Davidson, Brian R; Fusai, Giuseppe; Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan (2012). "Resection versus other treatments for locally advanced pancreatic cancer". doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010244.
- ^ Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan; Allen, Victoria B; Kalia, Amun; Davidson, Brian R; Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan (2011). "Diagnostic accuracy of laparoscopy for assessing the resectability in pancreatic and periampullary cancer". doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009323.
- ^ a b Robbins basic pathology (8th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier. 2007. ISBN 978-1-4160-2973-1. OCLC 804094752.
- ^ a b c d Davidson's principles and practice of medicine. (21st ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7020-3085-7. OCLC 455157186.
- ^ Bruce G. Wolff et al., eds. (2007). The ASCRS textbook of colon and rectal surgery. New York: Springer. p. 1. ISBN 0-387-24846-3.
- ^ a b Harrison's principles of internal medicine. (17th ed.). New York [etc.]: McGraw-Hill Medical. 2008. ISBN 978-0-07-147692-8. OCLC 237889182.
- ^ "Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor". National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
External links
- MUSC Health - Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
|
Digestive system neoplasia (C15–C26/D12–D13, 150–159/211)
|
|
| GI tract |
| Upper |
| Esophagus |
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
|
|
| Stomach |
- Gastric carcinoma
- Signet ring cell carcinoma
- Gastric lymphoma
- Linitis plastica
|
|
|
| Lower |
| Small intestine |
|
|
| Appendix |
- Carcinoid
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei
|
|
| Colon/rectum |
- colorectal polyp: Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
- Juvenile polyposis syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis/Gardner's syndrome
- Cronkhite–Canada syndrome
- neoplasm: Adenocarcinoma
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
|
|
| Anus |
|
|
|
| Upper and/or lower |
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- Krukenberg tumor (metastatic)
|
|
|
| Accessory |
| Liver |
- malignant: Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Hepatoblastoma
- benign: Hepatocellular adenoma
- Cavernous hemangioma
- hyperplasia: Focal nodular hyperplasia
- Nodular regenerative hyperplasia
|
|
| Biliary tract |
- bile duct: Cholangiocarcinoma
- Klatskin tumor
- gallbladder: Gallbladder cancer
|
|
| Pancreas |
- exocrine pancreas: Adenocarcinoma
- Pancreatic ductal carcinoma
- cystic neoplasms: Serous microcystic adenoma
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
- Mucinous cystic neoplasm
- Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm
|
|
|
| Peritoneum |
- Primary peritoneal carcinoma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Desmoplastic small round cell tumor
|
|
|
Index of digestion
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|
| Description |
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Development
|
|
| Disease |
- Congenital
- Neoplasms and cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Gluten sensitivity
- Other
- Symptoms and signs
- Blood tests
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|
| Treatment |
- Procedures
- Drugs
- anabolic steroids
- antacids
- diarrhoea and infection
- bile and liver
- functional gastrointestinal disorders
- laxatives
- peptic ulcer and reflux
- nausea and vomiting
- other
- Surgery
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