The category of gastrointestinal cancer is made up of a range of cancers that occur within the organs of the digestive system (stomach, liver, pancreas, and rectum). The multidisciplinary team at the Masonic Cancer Clinic at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview 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 and 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.

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 diagnosed, making treatment and cure more complicated. The chance of recovery is greatly improved if the cancer can be detected early.

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.

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 this challenging condition.

Clinics:

• Minneapolis

• Gastroenterology (GI) Clinic
  • Phillips-Wangensteen Building
    First Floor, Clinic 1E
    516 Delaware St. SE
  • Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • 612-624-9709
• Pancreas and Biliary Clinic
  • Phillips-Wagensteen Building
    First Floor, Clinic 1E
    516 Delaware St. SE
  • Minneapolis, MN 55454
  • 612-625-2457
• Masonic Cancer Clinic
  • Masonic Memorial Building
    First Floor, Suite M100
    424 Harvard St. SE
    
  • Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • 612-625-5411

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