National Leaders in Innovative Gastrointestinal Cancer Care
Find your gastrointestinal cancer specialist at RWJBarnabas Health at 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the excessive growth of tissue in the digestive tract. When cells grow out of control in the gastrointestinal system, the may prevent the ingestion of food and nutrients or the elimination of waste from the body. The earlier GI cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. Screenings may even prevent gastrointestinal cancer in some cases if precancerous conditions are identified and treated. GI cancers we treat include:
- Colon cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
Why Choose Us for Gastrointestinal Cancer Care
State-of-the-Art Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening and Treatment
RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meets the highest standards in gastrointestinal cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation.
New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists
Our integrated cancer care model includes New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, composed of:
- Nationally and internationally recognized medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists
- Fellowship-trained surgical oncologists
- Advanced practice nurses and certified technicians with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care
- Nurse navigators
- Nutrition experts
- Oncology support professionals
Our multidisciplinary oncology teams specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening
GI screening can enable early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers in their early stages. Screening may include some or all of the following:
- Physical examinations
- Blood tests
- Imaging
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screenings
Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatments Available Near You
Treatments may include:
Our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Learn More About Common Types of GI Cancer
- Esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer starts in the esophagus, which is the main pathway that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach. It is important to know common gastrointestinal cancer symptoms, even though they may only appear in advanced stages of the disease and/or may mimic the symptoms of other conditions. Make an appointment with a physician at the first sign of gastrointestinal cancer symptoms. Only physicians can diagnose or rule out esophageal cancer.
- Bile duct cancer. The bile ducts are thin flexible tubes that carry digestive fluid and connect your liver to your bladder and small intestine. Bile duct cancer occurs when cells in the bile duct multiply out of control and form a tumor. The stage of bile duct cancer influences which treatment options are selected
- Liver cancer. Liver cancer begins in the liver and spreads (metathesizes) to other parts of the body. Numerous liver cancer risk factors tell doctors if you are at an increased chance of getting the disease. Symptoms usually present in later stages of the disease, which is why knowing your risk factors and having them analyzed by a physician is important.
- Pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer presents in the pancreas, an organ that aids in food digestion. Symptoms usually do not appear until the disease reaches advanced stages. Our fellowship-trained pancreas surgeons perform the highest volume of pancreatic procedures in the state and are national leaders in the field. Procedures are performed at several of the RWJBarnabas Health hospitals located throughout New Jersey. Through our partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, you have access to the only pancreatic cyst identification and surveillance program in the state and one of only a few in the country.
- Stomach cancer. Stomach cancer starts in the stomach cells. There are risk factors that help determine your risk of acquiring the disease. Knowing your risk factors is important because symptoms do not usually present until the disease reaches advanced stages.
Clinical Trials
As a leader in cancer treatment in New Jersey, we provide access to pioneering clinical trials for all cancer types. Our cancer specialists work closely with scientists and researchers to bring you cutting-edge therapies, many of which are only available at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers such as ours.
We are committed to providing the most forward-thinking and promising therapies and treatments for cancer. Patients enrolled in clinical trials receive innovative treatments that are shaping the future of cancer care. For patients with unresponsive cancers, clinical trials offer additional treatment options to control the spread of the disease, eliminate cancer and improve the quality of life.
View Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Trials
To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best gastrointestinal cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
EBC Radio Interview About Gastrointestinal Cancer
Listen as Ehsan Patel, MD, speaks with EBC Radio about gastrointestinal and colon cancer screening.
Listen as Pawan Gundavaram, MD, speaks with EBC Radio about early screening for colon cancer.
