What is gastrointestinal oncology?

Gastrointestinal oncology (GI Oncology) is the study of cancer in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder and biliary system. It is a relatively new field that has been shaped by advances in medical technology and understanding of cancer biology.

Some types of cancers that GI Oncologists treat include: pancreatic cancer; colorectal cancer; bile duct carcinoma; liver cancer; gastric (stomach) adenocarcinoma; gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumors; neuroendocrine tumors such as carcinoid or pheochromocytoma; and rare malignancies such as GISTs (gastrointestinal stromal tumor).

Treatments for GI-related cancers include surgery to remove tumors where feasible, chemotherapy to destroy rapidly growing cells in a localized area or throughout the body depending on stage at diagnosis, radiation therapy to target highly localized areas with high energy radiation beams or implantable radioactive sources such as seeds or wires and immunotherapy to help boost natural defenses against these cancers. Targeted drugs are also commonly used with chemotherapy drugs to improve outcomes.

GI Oncologists often collaborate with other specialist teams within their institution - including radiologists who help visualize these tumors using imaging techniques like CT scans or MRI scans - surgeons who can perform removal therapies when appropriate - interventional radiologists who specialize in minimally invasive procedures - medical oncologists who provide systemic treatments like chemotherapy – nuclear medicine specialists who are experts in administering radioisotopes for targeted treatments – social workers and nutritionists working together towards providing holistic care plans – physical therapists helping patients regain strength after treatment – psychological counselors assisting patients through difficult times during treatment – pathologists studying biopsies from tissue taken during tests/surgeries.

In short, GI Oncology involves treating cancers arising in any part of the digestive system with a view towards maximizing survival rates while minimizing morbidity/side effects caused by treatments. It is an ever evolving field which requires constant learning due its dynamic nature with new advancements emerging every day leading us closer towards conquering this dreaded disease!