Gastrointestinal oncology
Modern and gentle treatment of gastroenterological tumor diseases
Typical symptoms of gastrointestinal tumors
Since many tumors of the digestive system hardly cause any symptoms in the early stages, persistent or recurring symptoms should be taken seriously:
- Unexplained abdominal pain or feeling of pressure
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing or frequent heartburn
- Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (in liver and bile duct tumors)
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, we recommend early clarification.
Causes & risk factors of gastrointestinal cancer
The exact causes of gastrointestinal cancer are varied and depend on the type of tumor. The most important risk factors include
Genetic predisposition
Familial clustering
Lifestyle factors
Unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol, overweight
Chronic inflammation
Z. E.g. gastritis, reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, liver cirrhosis
Infections
Z. E.g. Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor for stomach cancer
Diagnostics
Precise procedures for the early detection of cancer
Gastroscopy
to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Colonoscopy
for the early detection of colon and rectal cancer
Endosonography
for high-resolution imaging of tumors
CT and MRI scans
In collaboration with external cooperation partners for detailed assessment of tumor spread
Laboratory tests
Special laboratory tests to determine tumor markers
Ultrasound
of the intestine to assess the intestinal wall and any thickening
Treatment options
Individual and modern therapeutic approaches
The treatment of gastrointestinal tumors is developed as part of outpatient specialist care (ASV) in interdisciplinary tumor conferences and individually adapted to the needs of the patient. This may include the following measures:
- Endoscopic resection for early stages
- Surgical removal of the tumor In cooperating clinics (if necessary)
- Chemotherapy – Radiotherapy as a complementary or alternative therapy (with cooperation partners)
- Other modern immune and targeted therapies for advanced diseases
The most important types of tumors in the gastrointestinal tract at a glance
Colon & rectal cancer
Small intestine carcinoma
Biliary tract tumors
Gallbladder carcinomas
Esophageal cancer (esophageal carcinoma)
Adenocarcinomas of the esophago-gastric junction (AEG)
Stomach cancer (gastric carcinoma)
Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can gastrointestinal tumors be cured?
Yes, especially if they are detected early. The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.