Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Cancers: What You Need to Know
Writer/Dr. Anthony Yang, Surgical Oncologist at IU Health West Hospital
Photography Provided
Gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers come in many shapes and sizes, and it is important to know what these cancers are, how to detect them and what treatment options are available. 
What is gastrointestinal cancer?
Gastrointestinal cancer is cancer that originates from an organ along, or associated with, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is the entire passageway from your mouth to your anus, but GI cancers are considered to start from the esophagus to the rectum. GI cancer is found when abnormal cells in one of the organs of the GI tract become cancerous and grow uncontrollably, usually forming a tumor, which can spread to other organs. Some common forms of GI cancer are colon and rectal cancer. Other GI tract cancers are less common but may be very aggressive, such as esophageal cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer and liver cancer.
What is genitourinary cancer?
Genitourinary cancer is cancer that originates from the urinary system or the male reproductive system. Female reproductive system cancers are considered to be gynecologic cancers. Common genitourinary cancers include bladder, ureteral, kidney, penile, prostate and testicular cancers.
How do you detect gastrointestinal cancer?
Detecting gastrointestinal cancers starts with knowing the symptoms. Symptoms may include prolonged indigestion that does not improve, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, dark tarry stools and fecal incontinence. Gastrointestinal cancer can also have no symptoms, which is why screening tests, such as colonoscopy for anyone 45 years and older, are so important. Doctors often recommend testing to diagnose gastrointestinal cancers, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, lab tests to look for changes in the blood, and imaging studies (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and/or PET scan). A biopsy could also be used to sample any abnormalities identified, such as tumors, to check for cancerous cells.
How do you detect genitourinary cancer?
Symptoms of genitourinary cancers include blood in the urine, painful urination or ejaculation, difficulty with urination, a mass or heaviness of the testicles or scrotum, a rash on the penis and persistent back pain. There are a variety of ways to detect genitourinary cancers. The most common tests are similar to GI cancers and include imaging tests, lab tests, and may also include cystoscopy. Doctors may recommend a biopsy in some patients to make a definitive diagnosis.
What are your treatment options for gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers?
Treatment options for both cancers include chemotherapy drugs and other targeted medical treatments, radiation therapy or surgery to remove the tumors.
If you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to GI or GU cancer, please talk to your primary care physician immediately.
