Gastrointestinal cancer
Gastrointestinal cancers is a wide-ranging term that refers to the types of cancer that affect the digestive system. These can include esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and more.
GI cancer treatment in Nashville, Tennessee
From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, we are here to help you overcome GI cancer.
GI cancers can be slow growing and hard to find. TriStar Health's oncologists and specialists use leading-edge technology to ensure your condition is diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
Types of GI cancer we treat
Given the complexities of the digestive system, GI cancer can affect a range of different organs. As such, our team of gastrointestinal oncologists are equipped to treat abdominal cancers such as:
- Anal cancer
- Colon and rectal (colorectal) cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder and biliary tract cancer
- GI stromal tumors (GIST tumors)
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Small intestine cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer treatments and services
From laboratory scans to endoscopies to robotic radiosurgery, our GI cancer care services are designed to help you identify and conquer your condition with the best available treatment options.
GI cancer diagnosis
Most patients with abdominal cancer do not have symptoms in the early stages. However, you should keep your eye out for symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Losing weight without trying
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Sense of fullness just below your chest after eating
- Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
- Vomiting, with or without blood
Diagnosing GI conditions
Given that symptoms of GI cancers mirror other noncancerous conditions, it is important to discuss any and all symptoms with your doctor so that a proper medical examination can rule out cancer or other serious conditions. Your doctor may use various imaging tests and diagnostic procedures to provide an accurate diagnosis, including:
- Biopsy
- Blood test
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Digital rectal scan
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Upper endoscopy
- Upper GI series
GI cancer treatments
Our surgical oncologists have specialized knowledge of rare and complex cancer types after treating high volumes of patients with these diseases. Additionally, our care team uses intensity-modulated radiation therapy and the only robotic radiosurgery system in the Greater Nashville area. These technologies, including radioembolization treatments, chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation, allow us the ability to more precisely treat any tumors you may have and lessen side effects of treatment.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH Helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (352) 339-7000.
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