Gastrointestinal Cancers

GI cancers can present in different ways depending on where they begin. Some patients have symptoms, while others may learn something is wrong after imaging, lab work, or routine screening. Symptoms can vary, but may include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or bloating
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Jaundice or other signs of liver involvement

At St. Luke’s, diagnosis is approached as efficiently and thoughtfully as possible and may include:

• Advanced Imaging: CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound help visualize tumors, assess their size and extent, and check for spread.
• Endoscopic Evaluation: An ultrasound will provide detailed images of the GI tract wall and nearby organs.
• Biopsy and Pathology Review: Tissue samples obtained during endoscopy or via needle biopsy are examined to confirm cancer.
• Lab Testing and Molecular Studies, When Appropriate: Including liver function tests, tumor markers (like CEA or CA 19-9), and complete blood counts.

Our goal is to help patients and families get answers clearly, quickly, and with the right support in place. St. Luke’s expert gastroenterologists and oncologists utilize advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and staging across our network.

St. Luke's treats a wide range of digestive system cancers, including: 

• Anal Cancer: Cancer that starts in the tissues of the anus.
• Colorectal Cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectum, often starting as polyps. Screening colonoscopies are key in prevention and early detection.
• Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer): Cancer starting in the stomach lining. 
• Pancreatic Cancer: Tumors most commonly arise from the digestive cells of the gland and are often aggressive in nature.
• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Primary cancer starting in the liver, often linked to cirrhosis or hepatitis. 
• Esophageal Cancer: Cancer of the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. 
• Gallbladder & Biliary Cancers: Rare, aggressive cancer arising from cells of the gall bladder or biliary tracts.
• Small Intestine Cancer: Rare cancer affecting the small bowel. 
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs):  Rare type of soft tissue sarcoma arising from the digestive tract.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Uncommon tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells that link the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Gastrointestinal cancer staging: Many upper GI cancers in general are rare and uncommon. Like other cancers, digestive cancers are staged (typically I-IV) based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. Staging guides treatment decisions and provides prognostic information.

Multidisciplinary Case Conference Review
GI cancers often benefit from collaborative review. Through multidisciplinary case conference review (also known as tumor boards), specialists come together to discuss imaging, pathology, treatment options, and patient-centered goals. This team-based review supports stronger care coordination, timely decision-making, and a more unified plan of care—so patients can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Meet Your Care Team
Your care may involve a range of specialists, depending on your diagnosis and treatment needs, including:

• Digestive Disease Specialists (Gastroenterologists): Help evaluate and manage cancers involving the digestive tract
• Colon and Rectum Surgeons: Treats cancers of the colon and rectum by performing surgery to remove tumors
• Surgical Oncology Specialists: Lead surgical care and procedural treatment planning
• Medical Oncologists: Manage systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments
• Radiation Oncologists: Deliver precise radiation often in coordination with other team members for improved local regional control

Together, this team works to ensure your care is coordinated, informed, and personalized.