Early-stage esophageal cancer does not often present with any symptoms, but symptoms of later-stage cancer may include difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness, worsening heartburn or indigestion, chest pain or pressure, and unexplained weight loss. Risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity and long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapeutic drugs, and laser therapy. Sometimes these cancers can cause complete blockage of the esophagus, which can be treated by placement of a stent through the endoscope or placement of feeding tubes.

Symptoms of stomach cancer may include bloating after eating or feeling full quickly; severe, persistent heartburn or indigestion; unexplained, persistent nausea and/or vomiting; stomach pain; fatigue and unintentional weight loss. Smoking, obesity, long-term GERD, stomach inflammation or polyps, a family history of stomach cancer, infection with Helicobacter pylori, and a diet high in salty or smoked foods or low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk. Treatment options include endoscopic resection, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and /or targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the US. A colonoscopy can be performed to detect and remove colon polyps, precursors to colon cancer. Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years starting at age 50, or at age 45 for African Americans. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or other risk factors you will likely need to start screening earlier. Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, narrow stools, bloating and abdominal cramps, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Treatment options may include surgery, laparoscopic colon resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.

Biliary cancer develops in the bile duct system, which connects your liver, gallbladder and small intestine. Symptoms are non-specific and may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Risk factors include obesity, smoking, a history of gallstones (for gallbladder cancer) and liver infections. This can cause blockage of the biliary system requiring a plastic or metal stent to drain the system followed by possible surgery. Surgery is the most common treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be prescribed along with surgery or if the cancer is inoperable.

Unfortunately, in early stage-pancreatic cancer, symptoms are often not present which means it is often not detected until later stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, new-onset diabetes, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Smoking, a family history of pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cysts or inflammation may increase your risk. Diagnosis usually involves endoscopic ultrasound to stage the disease and to obtain a tissue diagnosis. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy or targeted treatments.

A colonoscopy is the most common procedure used in diagnosing colon and lower bowel conditions. A thin, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted into your rectum and into the colon, allowing your doctor to look for abnormalities. During the procedure, your doctor can also perform treatments to stop bleeding, remove scar tissue, place stents, take biopsies to check for cancer and remove precancerous polyps. Your colonoscopy will be performed under sedation, and your gastroenterologist will provide further instruction regarding fasting and colon cleansing procedures prior to your scheduled appointment.

The most common procedure used in diagnosing esophageal and stomach conditions, endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that helps your gastroenterologist examine your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine using a flexible tube with a camera attached. During an endoscopy, your doctor may take biopsies to check for infections, certain diseases and rule out cancer. If there is evidence of abnormalities that require treatment, such as bleeding or stretching of the esophagus for a narrowing, it will be performed. Your endoscopy will be performed under sedation, and you will need to fast for six to eight hours prior to the procedure.