Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal Oncology

Gastrointestinal oncology refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and accessory organs of digestion, including the oesophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small and large intestine, rectum and anus. The symptoms relate to the organ affected and can include obstruction which leads to difficulty swallowing or defecating, abnormal bleeding. The treatment 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.