Conditions:
Cancer
Cancer is the process where cells in the body divide and behave abnormally forming a mass called a tumour. They can arise from virtually any cell in the body and can be either benign or malignant.
Benign tumours tend to grow slowly, will not spread to other parts of the body, and do not return when removed.
Metastatic cancer nodules
Metastatic cancer nodules Malignant tumours on the other hand tend to grow aggressively, destroy the surrounding normal tissue and unless treated early, may spread to distant parts of the body. When tumour cells spread to distant parts of the body, they are known as metastases. The cause of cancers and their behaviour vary greatly between individuals, the type of cancer and where in the body they occur.
CANCERS IN THE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Unfortunately, cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract are increasing in Western communities. They can occur in the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder and liver.
In general, cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract are aggressive and cure rates are not as encouraging as cancers elsewhere in the body. Surgery remains the best chance of curing such cancers. Prevention, early detection and prompt treatment is crucial in the battle against cancer.
Dr Fenton-Lee treats all upper gastrointestinal cancers in conjunction with medical oncologists and medical gastrointestinal team via The St Vincent's Upper Gastrointestinal Tumour Board. Staging procedures are crucial in the treatment of these cancers which are all performed via the Tumour Board.
To learn more about the common symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment and prognosis of different upper gastrointestinal cancers, clink on the links to the left.
Top
|
