Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptoms

Gastrointestinal cancer is a malignant condition of the gastrointestinal tract which encompasses the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, bowels, biliary system, and anus.  Treatment depends on the location of the cancerous cell and the prognosis hinges on whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.  In most cases, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors do not produce any symptoms, but in some instances, signs are evident.  Endoscopy and a biopsy are often necessary for a diagnosis.  Gastrointestinal cancer frequently Carcinoid Syndrome or Cushing’s Syndrome.

Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms (Carcinoid Syndrome) include:

- Facial flushing
- Intense diarrea
- Wheezing
- Accelerated heartbeat

Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms (Cushing’s Syndrome) include:

- Weight gain
- Muscle fatigue
- High blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
- An increase of facial and body hair

Gastrointestinal cancer normally grows quite slowly, so symptoms of this condition are rarely diagnosed during the early states.  In rare cases, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are accidentally detected by endoscopy while looking for other things.  Like other cancers, early detection improves the prognosis and regular physical examinations are recommended for optimum success against this type of cancer.