Gastrointestinal Cancer (cancer of the colon, rectum, stomach, liver, pancreas)
The category of gastrointestinal cancer comprises a range of cancers that occur within the organs of the digestive system (stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum). The multidisciplinary team at the Masonic Cancer Clinic has extensive clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating cancer of the Gastrointestinal tract, recognizing, and addressing the unique needs of every patient.
The specialists of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Team are leaders in their individual practice areas; focusing their combined expertise on swift accurate diagnosis, and leading-edge treatment of digestive system cancer. Our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing patients with excellent personal care in a safe and comfortable environment.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Team
Waddah Al-Refaie, MD - Surgical Oncologist
Martin Freeman, MD - Gastroenterologist
Edward Greeno, MD - Medical Oncologist
Abhinav Humar, MD - Surgical Oncologist
Eric Jensen, MD - Surgical Oncologist
Priya Kumar, MD - Medical Oncologist
John Lake, MD - Gastroenterologist
Chung Lee, MD - Radiation Oncologist
Michael Maddaus, MD - Foregut and Thoracic Surgeon
Robert Madoff, MD - Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Shawn Mallery, MD - Gastroenterologist
David Rothenberger, MD - Colon and Rectal Surgeon
M. Benhan Sahin, MD - Medical Oncologist
Todd Tuttle, MD - Surgical Oncologist
Selwyn Vickers, MD - Surgical Oncologist, Gastrointestinal Surgeon
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Each year, cancer of the large bowel (colon, rectum, and anus) affects 135,000 people and causes 57,000 deaths in this country. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Over the five-year period 1999-2003, about 2,500 Minnesotans were diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum each year, and 900 Minnesotans died each year of the disease.
Colorectal cancer can be cured. Even more importantly, it can be prevented. Most colon cancers start as polyps — precancerous overgrowths of colon tissue. If polyps can be detected by screening tests, they can be removed using a colonoscope usually in the outpatient clinic. Subsequent cancer development is thus prevented. Early stage colorectal cancers can generally be treated by surgery and are unlikely to recur. More advanced tumors may require surgery coupled with chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus radiation.
Learn more about colon and rectal cancer
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is among the most frequent causes of cancer death in the United States. Every year, about 24,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with this form of cancer. Stomach cancer generally originates within the innermost portion of the stomach, and is capable of spreading outward throughout the body. Stomach cancer is often in an advanced stage when it is diagnosed, making treatment and cure more complicated. The chance of recovery is greatly improved if the cancer can be detected early.
Learn more about stomach cancer
Liver Cancer
Cancer of the liver can be divided into two main types: cancer that started in the liver (primary liver cancer) and cancer that has spread to the liver from another part of the body (secondary, or metastatic cancer in the liver). Liver cancer can progress very quickly and early detection is a very important factor to successful treatment.
Learn more about liver cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a particularly complex form of cancer, presenting distinct difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. Very difficult to detect, cancer of the pancreas is unlikely to be diagnosed early. Treatment options tend to be very limited, and controlling the disease requires expertise across medical disciplines. Patients with pancreatic cancer need comprehensive, coordinated care for their challenging condition.
Learn more about pancreatic cancer
