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Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment Services
Specialized care for esophageal, colon, rectal, pancreatic, liver and other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Basics
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum may be called colorectal cancer. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, after skin, prostate, and lung cancer. It is also the fourth most common cancer in women, after skin, breast, and lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, a common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits. These changes include:
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Having diarrhea or constipation
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Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
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Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
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Finding your stools are narrower than usual
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Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated
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Losing weight with no known reason
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Feeling very tired all the time
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Having nausea or vomiting
For more information:
Preventing, Finding and Treating Colorectal Cancer
What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer forms in tissues lining the esophagus (the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach). Two types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). According to the National Cancer Institute, early esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
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Difficult or painful swallowing
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Severe weight loss
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Pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades
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Hoarseness or chronic cough
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Vomiting
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Coughing up blood
For more information:
When Heartburn Means Trouble
What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Esophagus
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. It is also called exocrine cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
For more information:
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Pancreas
Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver. Secondary liver cancer is cancer that spreads to the liver from another part of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, in an early stage liver cancer often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
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Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; the pain may extend to the back and shoulder
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Swollen abdomen (bloating)
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Weight loss
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Loss of appetite and feelings of fullness
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Weakness or feeling very tired
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Nausea and vomiting
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Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
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Fever
For more information:
Liver Cancer: Risks and Prevention
What You Need To Know About™ Liver Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment at Providence Regional Cancer Centers
Supported by state-of-the-art technologies and a highly skilled support staff, the specialists of Providence Regional Cancer Centers collaborate to provide the most advanced, comprehensive approach to cancer treatment available in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Our patients benefit from a host of programs and services, including—
Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection
Advanced Technology
Comprehensive, Compassionate Support Services
Quality Outcomes: Providence Regional Cancer Centers Annual Report
Schedule an Appointment
For a referral to a board-certified, Providence-affiliated physician, please contact our Health Resource Center at 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464). Or you can find a cancer treatment specialist by searching our online physician directory.
Clinical Trials
Learn about cancer clinical trials. Search our online database.
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