GI & Liver Cancers — Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment in Okeechobee, FL
Cancers of the digestive system include cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, and pancreas. Some develop slowly from precancerous changes that can be found and removed during screening. Others are found when symptoms appear. At Gastro in Florida, Dr. Vikram Tarugu provides screening and endoscopic evaluation in Okeechobee, removes early lesions when appropriate, and coordinates care with oncology and surgery for cancers that need treatment beyond the endoscopy suite.
Image: Wikimedia Commons, National Cancer Institute, public domain.
Cancers we evaluate
Esophageal cancer often develops after long-standing reflux or Barrett’s esophagus, and can cause difficulty swallowing or weight loss. Stomach cancer can cause upper belly pain, early fullness, nausea, or anemia. Colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers, often starts as a polyp in the colon or rectum and may cause bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or anemia. Liver cancer most often develops in a liver already damaged by cirrhosis, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. Pancreatic cancer is covered in more detail on our pancreatic cancer page. Each cancer is different, but early detection improves options in every case.
Warning signs to watch for
Warning signs can include difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn or upper belly pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, black stools, changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, anemia, fatigue, jaundice, or a new lump or swelling in the belly. These symptoms have many possible causes, and most are not cancer, but they should be evaluated promptly, especially when they are new or persistent.
Screening and endoscopic evaluation
Screening can find cancer early, or prevent it by removing precancerous polyps. Colon cancer screening, usually by colonoscopy, is recommended for most adults starting at age 45, and earlier for people with a family history or higher risk. During colonoscopy, polyps can be removed and tissue samples taken. EGD, or upper endoscopy, examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine, and can evaluate Barrett’s esophagus, ulcers, and suspicious areas. EUS, or endoscopic ultrasound, gives a detailed view of deeper layers and nearby lymph nodes, and can guide fine-needle biopsy for diagnosis and staging.
Removing early lesions: EMR and ESD
When an early cancer or precancerous lesion is limited to the inner layers of the digestive tract, it may be removed endoscopically without major surgery. EMR, or endoscopic mucosal resection, removes such lesions in pieces or as a whole through the endoscope. ESD, or endoscopic submucosal dissection, removes larger lesions in one piece and allows more complete laboratory examination. ESD is hospital-only, and it is arranged at a hospital setting when it is the right approach. Whether EMR, ESD, surgery, or another treatment is best depends on the size, location, and depth of the lesion, and Dr. Tarugu will discuss the options with you.
Coordinating your cancer care
When cancer is diagnosed, or when treatment beyond endoscopy is needed, Dr. Tarugu coordinates care with oncology and surgery, sharing biopsy and staging results promptly so that treatment planning is not delayed. Follow-up may include repeat endoscopy, imaging, and surveillance for recurrence or new lesions. We will explain your results in plain language, answer questions, and support you through each referral. Most plans do not require a referral — we will check yours.
Related conditions: Colon Cancer Screening, Pancreatic Cancer, Liver Disease.
For GI cancer screening and evaluation in Okeechobee, call Gastro in Florida at (863) 824-3447 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vikram Tarugu. Accepting New Patients — call for the earliest available appointment.
Patients from Sebring, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Stuart, and Wellington travel to our Okeechobee office for gastroenterology care — call (863) 824-3447 to schedule your visit.