Department of Surgery

Division of Colorectal Surgery

Conditions We Treat

Gastrointestinal Malignancies

What are Gastrointestinal Malignancies?

Gastrointestinal malignancies describes a variety of tissue growths that are not normal. They may occur in the small intestine (small bowel) or the large intestine (large bowel or colon). The rectum may be involved because of its proximity to the colon.

In addition to colorectal cancer, one group of gastrointestinal malignancies are carcinoid tumors. Relatively rare, carcinoid tumors are associated with flushing, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and heart disease. They originate in the neuroendocrine system, are driven by hormones, and can spread quickly through the body’s organs.

Learn more about Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Treatment for Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Gastrointestinal malignancies must be removed surgically to prevent damage to the intestines and deter their spread to other parts of the body where they will destroy healthy tissue.