Many assume that they have developed cancer when experiencing some or negligible symptoms of tract cancer, which is known as cancer phobia. This fear often arises when someone in their family, neighborhood, or workplace has been diagnosed with cancer.
Even minor digestive issues like mild stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea can trigger fear, making many believe that they have stomach cancer. However, in more than 90% of cases, it is not cancerous.
Understanding Digestive Tract Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms which are similar to digestive tract cancer are not actually cancer symptoms. In many cases, these symptoms can also appear in patients with benign diseases. Therefore, assuming cancer solely based on these signs would not be accurate. However, the possibility of cancer cannot be completely ruled out, and the need for proper diagnosis of cancer is required.
Esophageal Cancer (Food Pipe Cancer)
The digestive system can be affected by eight different types of cancer. The first type of cancer relating to the digestive system is the food pipe (esophagus), which transfers food from the mouth to the stomach. If cancer develops in the food pipe, patients experience difficulty in swallowing food and liquid.
In the early stages of Esophageal Cancer, intake of solid foods such as chapati or fruits is harder to consume. Gradually, this difficulty increases, and even drinking water may become problematic. When such symptoms appear, it is important to consult the best gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis of cancer ,like biopsy reporting. Biopsy is completely safe and does not cause cancer to spread.
Stomach Cancer
The second part of the digestive system is the stomach, where food from the esophagus is stored before digestion begins. The stomach plays a crucial role in breaking down food before it gradually moves into the small intestine.
If stomach cancer develops, pain in the upper abdomen is commonly experienced. Some patients may also suffer from nausea, vomiting, anemia (low blood count), and unexplained weight loss.
When cancer is suspected, an endoscopy is performed to examine the stomach. If any abnormalities are detected, a biopsy is taken for further analysis. To determine the stage of cancer, additional tests such as a CT scan or PET scan are conducted.
Small Intestine Cancer
The third part of the digestive tract is the small intestine. Cancer in the small intestine is quite rare. However, if it does occur, pain around the navel is commonly experienced. In some cases, intestinal obstruction may develop, leading to bloating, difficulty in passing gas, and trouble with bowel movements.
To diagnose small intestine cancer, a CT scan is usually performed. In certain cases, a specialized test called an enteroscopy is also conducted for a more detailed examination.
Colon Cancer (Large Intestine Cancer)
The next part of the digestive tract is the colon, also known as the large intestine. If cancer develops on the left side of the colon, symptoms such as constipation or blood in the stool may be observed. However, if cancer is present on the right side of the colon, the primary symptom is often anemia (low blood count).
This occurs due to internal bleeding from the cancer, which is not visibly noticeable. This hidden blood loss is referred to as occult blood. To detect it, an occult blood test of the stool is performed. If colon cancer is suspected, a colonoscopy is conducted for further examination. If any abnormalities are found, a biopsy is taken. Additionally, staging tests such as a CT scan or PET scan are performed to determine the extent of the disease.
