Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer results from changes in cellular DNA that cause abnormal cells to grow along the GI tract. These cells develop and divide uncontrollably, forming cancerous tumors.

There are many types of gastrointestinal cancer, the most common of which include esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell specializes in treating all types of gastrointestinal tumors.

Gastrointestinal cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms until the tumor reaches advanced stages of development. Then, the symptoms you experience depend on the type of cancer.

Esophageal cancer may cause difficulty swallowing while symptoms of colorectal or anal cancers may include changes to bowel function or rectal bleeding. Other common symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss.

At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your specific type of gastrointestinal cancer.

Depending on your needs, your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapy

As a skilled radiation oncologist, Dr. Morrell coordinates your care with specialists like gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, specialized GI cancer surgeons, clinical geneticists, and nutritionists. Radiation may be a standalone treatment, or you may receive radiation therapy in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

The goal of radiation therapy is to kill cancer cells with high-frequency energy beams. At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell uses the most current techniques and technologies in radiation therapy.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced treatment that Dr. Morrell may employ to treat gastrointestinal cancer. IMRT uses breakthrough technology to manipulate radiation beams so they conform to the tumor’s exact shape.

IMRT delivers precise treatment that targets cancer cells while reducing damage to healthy tissue. Because IMRT limits the number of healthy cells that receive radiation exposure, this approach leads to fewer side effects.

For individualized care of gastrointestinal cancer, please call CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, or book an appointment online today.