About
Cancers in these organs affect the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. These are interrelated due to the anatomical relation and one organ might affect the functioning of other organs.
- Liver cancer starts in the cells of the liver. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the main type of liver cell (hepatocyte).
- Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder. It’s often diagnosed at a late stage due to its subtle symptoms.
- Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that lies behind the lower part of the stomach. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back
- Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal swelling and bloating
- Changes in stool (e.g., chalky stools for liver cancer)
Causes
- Chronic infections like hepatitis B and C for liver cancer
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Genetic predispositions and family history
- Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins such as aflatoxin can cause liver cancer.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests
- Biopsy
- Endoscopic procedures like ERCP
Treatment
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
