Gastrointestinal Oncology
Gastrointestinal Oncology at GEM Hospital
GEM Hospital provides multidisciplinary gastrointestinal oncology treatment in Coimbatore and Chennai for cancers affecting the digestive system. Specialists from gastroenterology, surgery, medical oncology and other fields work together to prepare the best-suited treatment plan for every patient.
GI Oncology Highlights
Gastrointestinal Cancers We Treat
Gastrointestinal oncology covers cancers affecting:
Food pipe
Stomach
Liver
Gallbladder and bile ducts
Pancreas
Small intestine
Colon
Rectum
Anal canal
Treatment depends on the organ affected, type of cancer, stage and overall health of the patient.
Symptoms That Should Be Checked
Possible warning signs include:
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing
Repeated vomiting
Blood in vomit or stool
Black stools
A continuing change in bowel habits
Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Loss of appetite
Ongoing tiredness or weakness
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be medically evaluated when persistent or unexplained.
Diagnosis and Staging
The first step is to confirm the diagnosis and understand whether the condition has spread. Evaluation may include:
Blood tests
Endoscopy or colonoscopy
Biopsy
CT, MRI or other scans
Endoscopic ultrasound
Molecular or biomarker testing in selected cases
The results help the multidisciplinary team decide which treatment options may be appropriate.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatments
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended to remove the tumour and nearby affected tissue. Selected patients may be suitable for laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedures.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be given before surgery, after surgery or as the main treatment.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be used for selected cancers, either alone or together with surgery or chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Some cancers have specific features that may respond to targeted medicines or immunotherapy. Testing helps determine whether these treatments are suitable.
Endoscopic treatment
Certain very early cancers or pre-cancerous growths may be removed through an endoscope in selected patients.
Nutrition and supportive care
Nutrition, pain relief and symptom management support patients during treatment and recovery. Emotional and family support may also form part of care.
Why Choose GEM Hospital for GI Cancer Care?
Key Advantages of GEM Cancer Care
GEM Hospital, Coimbatore
At GEM Hospital in Coimbatore, patients receive coordinated care for different gastrointestinal cancers.
GEM Hospital, Chennai
GEM Hospital in Chennai provides the same patient-centred approach to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
Book an Oncology Consultation
For gastrointestinal oncology treatment in Coimbatore, meet the specialist team at GEM Hospital in Coimbatore. Patients seeking gastrointestinal oncology treatment in Chennai can schedule a consultation at GEM Hospital in Chennai.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the area of cancer care focused on tumours affecting the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts.
No. Treatment depends on the cancer type and stage. Some patients may receive chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination.
A biopsy confirms whether abnormal tissue is cancerous and provides information that helps the team plan treatment.
Some patients may be suitable for laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. Suitability depends on the cancer, stage and general health.
