Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is the malignant development in the gastrointestinal tract. Basically, this type of cancer affects almost the whole digestive system of the person. Gastrointestinal cancer is also present in many asbestos workers.

Gastrointestinal cancer caused by asbestos exposure

The link between asbestos fibers being present in the lung tissue and the development of gastrointestinal cancer is not proven, but is believed to be much higher then initially suspected by experts. More and more patients with gastrointestinal cancer turn out to have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives.

Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms

Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms can vary depending on the person and on several other variables. Symptoms of this type of asbestos disease can include some of the following:

  • Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region
  • Bleeding may occur, rectal or in stool
  • Complete loss of appetite
  • Extreme weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constant state of fatigue

Gastrointestinal cancer staging

Gastrointestinal cancer, in humans, as well as in animals, such as cats, develops gradually, in several separate stages. These are as follows:

  • Stage I – Localized (the malignant tissue is localized and treatment is simple)
  • Stage II – Regional (the malignant tissue has spread to nearby lymph nodes and other tissue structures)
  • Stage III – Metastatic (cancer cells are already attacking other organs of the body, such as bones, liver or lungs)
  • Stage IV – Recurrent (after successful treatment the cancer appears again after a certain amount of time)

Gastrointestinal cancer treatment

Treatment for this sort of disease is similar to that of asbestosis, but modified to fit the area the cancer tissue is found. The risk of recurrence is high because this type of cancer remains somewhat latent after successful treatment.

Following the logical path, experts are on constant research to improve cancer treatment, especially for the upper gastrointestinal cancer.

Gastrointestinal cancer statistics

Gastrointestinal cancer is not as common as breast or colon cancer, but it is clearly more common compared to mesothelioma. This type of cancer killed 120000 people last year. Research has shown that people subjected to asbestos exposure have a 10 percent increase in the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer.
 

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