Multi-disciplinary Cancer Care for the Digestive System — Early Detection, Staged Treatment, Holistic Support.
Overview
The GI Oncology unit combines endoscopic, surgical, and chemotherapy expertise for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. With a tumour board approach, patients receive individualised treatment plans covering surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive care.
Conditions We Treat
- Esophageal Cancer
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Cancers
- GI Stromal Tumours (GIST)
- Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Esophageal Cancer
Overview
Esophageal cancer arises from the lining of the food pipe, commonly linked to tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and chronic acid reflux. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing: Worsening over time
- Unintentional weight loss
- Chest pain: Or discomfort behind breastbone
- Chronic cough: Or hoarseness
Diagnosis
- Upper GI Endoscopy with Biopsy
- CT/PET Scan: For staging
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Tumour depth assessment
Treatment
- Surgery: Esophagectomy for resectable tumours
- Chemotherapy & Radiation: Neoadjuvant or palliative
- Endoscopic Resection: For early-stage lesions
- Stenting: Palliative relief for obstruction
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Overview
Gastric cancer develops in the stomach lining, often linked to H. pylori infection, smoking, and diet. Early detection through surveillance is crucial.
Symptoms
- Persistent indigestion: Or heartburn
- Loss of appetite: And weight loss
- Nausea: Or vomiting
- Abdominal pain: Or fullness
Treatment
- Gastrectomy: Partial or total surgical removal
- Chemotherapy: Perioperative or palliative
- Targeted Therapy: HER2+ disease
- EMR/ESD: Endoscopic resection for early tumours
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Overview
HCC is the most common primary liver cancer, often developing in patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C, or fatty liver disease.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain: Or mass in right upper quadrant
- Weight loss: And jaundice
- Fatigue: And loss of appetite
Treatment
- Liver Resection: Surgical removal
- Liver Transplant: For select candidates
- Ablation: Radiofrequency or microwave
- TACE / TARE: Transarterial therapies
- Systemic Therapy: Immunotherapy, targeted agents
Pancreatic Cancer
Overview
Pancreatic cancer is aggressive, often diagnosed late. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity, and family history.
Symptoms
- Jaundice: With dark urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal or back pain
- New-onset diabetes
Treatment
- Whipple Procedure: Surgical resection
- Chemotherapy: Neoadjuvant or adjuvant
- ERCP Stenting: Biliary drainage
- Palliative Care: Pain and symptom management
Colorectal Cancer
Overview
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, often developing from polyps. Regular screening after age 45-50 is key to prevention.
Symptoms
- Blood in stool: Or rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain: Or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment
- Polypectomy: Endoscopic removal of polyps
- Colectomy: Surgical resection
- Chemotherapy: Adjuvant or metastatic
- Targeted/Immunotherapy: Based on molecular profile
Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Cancers
Overview
These cancers arise from the gallbladder or bile ducts, often presenting late with jaundice and pain.
Treatment
- Radical Surgery: Cholecystectomy with liver resection
- ERCP / PTBD: Biliary stenting and drainage
- Chemotherapy: Gemcitabine-based regimens
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST)
Overview
GISTs arise from specialized cells in the GI tract wall. Treatment involves targeted therapy with imatinib.
Treatment
- Surgical Resection: For localized tumours
- Imatinib / Sunitinib: Targeted therapy
- Surveillance: Regular imaging follow-up
Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Overview
NETs arise from hormone-producing cells in the GI tract or pancreas. They may cause flushing, diarrhoea, and hormonal syndromes.
Treatment
- Surgical Resection: Curative intent
- Somatostatin Analogues: Octreotide for symptom control
- PRRT: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
- Targeted Agents: Everolimus, sunitinib