Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Care in Portland and Vancouver

At Compass Oncology, our gastrointestinal cancer specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care with a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

Find a GI Cancer Doctor
Compass-Pillar-GI-Cancer-Banner-Pic-1

 

 

GI cancer care in portland and vancouver

The most common types of GI cancers start in the colon (large intestine), rectum, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and liver. Other types of gastrointestinal cancers can develop in the gallbladder, biliary tract, small intestine, and anus.

Our GI cancer specialists are part of a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and a cancer surgeon. They work together to create the best treatment plan for you using the latest cancer treatments. You can receive quality care at our cancer centers, located throughout Portland and Vancouver. 

gi-newly-diagnosed-patients

Recently Diagnosed with a Type of GI Cancer?

A gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis can leave you full of questions. Our cancer care team has put together this information to help you prepare for your first appointment with the medical oncologist. Get educated about your type of GI cancer, learn who may be part of your care team, and what to expect after receiving a diagnosis.

What to Expect After a GI Cancer Diagnosis

Common Types of GI Cancers

GI, or gastrointestinal, cancer is a term used for the group of cancers that affect the gastrointestinal tract and other organs of the digestive system. It’s important to know where in the GI tract or digestive system cancer has developed and its extent, before an oncologist can recommend a treatment approach.

Learn more about the diagnosis, staging, and treatment options for these common gastrointestinal cancers.

body highlighting GI tract part of Gastrointestinal cancers

Less Common Types of GI Cancers

Treatment for GI cancers sometimes includes surgery as well as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The best approach may be different for each patient, depending on the GI cancer type and stage.

Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Cancer

Gallbladder cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located next to the liver. Its role is to store bile, a fluid that aids with digestion and fat absorption in the small intestine. Biliary tract cancer (also known as cholangiocarcinoma) is a cancer that occurs in the bile ducts (tubes that transport bile from the liver). Biliary tract cancer can form anywhere along the bile ducts.

Small Intestine Cancer

Cancer of the small intestine, also called small bowel cancer, occurs in the small intestine, a long tube that carries digested food from the stomach to the large intestine (colon). Because the small intestine is made up of many different types of cells, different types of cancer can start there. There are four major types of small intestine cancers: adenocarcinomas, carcinoid tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas. Small intestine cancer often begins with non-cancerous polyps, which, over time, can change into cancer.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

GISTs start in special cells, called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), located in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract. ICC cells are part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates body processes such as digesting food. The most common sites for GISTs are the stomach and small intestine.

Anal Cancer

Anal cancer starts in the anal canal, a short tube at the end of your rectum through which stool leaves your body. The inner lining of the anal canal is the mucosa. Most anal cancers start from cells in the mucosa. Anal cancers that start from cells in the glands located under the mucosa are called adenocarcinomas. Many types of tumors can develop in the anus, including non-cancerous ones.

Why Choose Compass Oncology for GI Cancer Care?

With a strong focus on early detection and research, Compass Oncology delivers expert, compassionate, and highly personalized cancer care using the most advanced technologies. Compass Oncology physicians are led by the medical oncologist, who works closely with our surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist to create a treatment plan.

Treatments include advanced surgical and non-surgical options, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials, providing you with complete cancer care in one location. Beyond treatment, we offer a full range of supportive cancer care services, including dietitians specializing in cancer care and palliative care experts to help manage symptoms, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life.

Meet our Team

Pancreatic and Liver Surgical Oncologist On-Staff

Surgery is often a key component of the treatment plan for some GI cancers, including pancreatic and liver cancer. The Compass Oncology team includes a hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeon with experience in advanced surgical techniques for liver and pancreatic cancer. They will work with you to determine if surgery is an option and identify the most appropriate procedure for your specific diagnosis.

Michele
Babicky, MD

Liver and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology

Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Trials and Research

Clinical research trials are offered for GI cancer patients in the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA areas. This allows patients to participate in clinical research trials that have led to new cancer therapies being approved by the FDA. We're currently working on finding new treatment options for colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other GI cancers.

More About Cancer Clinical Trials
clinical-trials-gastrointestinal-cancer-research-compass-oncology-

Frequently Asked Questions About GI Cancers

Our gastrointestinal cancer specialists have compiled some frequently asked questions to get you through some of your first questions.

GI Cancer FAQs

Patient Resources

From support groups and genetic counseling to financial counseling with our Patient Benefit Representatives, the cancer specialists at Compass Oncology are here for you every step of the way. Discover local and national support group gatherings, reading materials, and more.

Resources for Compass Patients

Life After GI Cancer Treatment

With a GI cancer diagnosis comes the need for support. There are many support groups and organizations that will help you in every step of your journey. Discover support for after treatment ends, including follow-up care, support groups, and survivorship programs.

Resources for GI Cancer Survivors