Lynn Cancer Institute has a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer team that understands the importance of complete, well-rounded treatment. Our approach involves experts from various specialties to make sure we treat every aspect of your cancer.
At the Institute, you’ll have an entire team on your side throughout your treatment journey. We work together and communicate frequently about your treatment plan to make sure we’re meeting your needs and providing the best possible care.
What types of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are treated at the Institute?
GI cancers affect tissues and organs in the digestive system, including the colon, rectum, pancreas, esophagus and stomach.
We treat a full range of GI cancers, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Anal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common GI cancers we treat. Because rectal cancer requires specialized expertise from multiple disciplines, we’ve brought together the region’s top experts to provide highly specialized and effective treatment.
How do the specialists at the Institute diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) cancers?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a GI cancer or suspects you have one, our team will ask you to undergo additional tests. These tests will help us pinpoint your exact diagnosis and come up with the right treatment plan for you.
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, we may have you undergo imaging tests. The Institute has access to a full spectrum of imaging options, including:
- CT scans
- MRIs
- PET scans
- Ultrasounds (including endoscopic ultrasounds)
Our rectal cancer team also includes radiologists trained in reading MRIs to diagnose rectal cancers.
In some cases, we may need to take a tissue sample (biopsy) from the tumor or surrounding area. Our team includes providers who specialize in taking these biopsies during endoscopic ultrasounds.
Our team may also use the biopsy for molecular testing on your tumor. Molecular testing allows us to find a treatment personalized to your specific tumor type.
At the Institute, all of our diagnostic tests are available under one roof. This convenience helps reduce your travel time and allows us to come up with an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible.
How do the specialists at the Institute treat gastrointestinal (GI) cancers?
At the Institute, we have access to a full spectrum of treatment options for GI cancers. These options mean we can customize an approach to fit your unique needs.
Every patient with cancer has the opportunity to have an evaluation at our multimodality clinic. During this clinic, you will meet with all the experts on our team during the same visit. We’ll talk through your diagnosis, discuss treatment options and additional testing (if needed) and spend time answering your questions.
After this initial meeting, our team of specialists will collaborate on your treatment plan. We’ll review all of your tests and scans while considering your personal preferences and overall health.
Your treatment plan will depend on your specific tumor type and diagnosis. Treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation therapy
- CyberKnife™ radiosurgery
We also include support services in your treatment plan. These services can include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Social work support or counseling
- Exercise and wellness classes, including yoga and Tai Chi
