Gastrointestinal Cancer

At the Mass General Cancer at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, we offer our patients world-class expertise in gastrointestinal cancers. This unique collaboration brings doctors from the Mass General Cancer Center to our community hospital setting. Our team includes:

• Lawrence Blaszkowsky, MD, Medical Director of the Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley and Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology.
• Todd Francone, MD, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Director of Robotic Surgery

Conditions treated

Patients come to us from throughout the Greater Boston area for treatment of cancers of the gastrointestinal system, including:

• Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
Phone: 617-219-1230

Screening and Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer

We offer many options for detection and diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer. One of the most well-known and most often-used screening exams is the colonoscopy. We highly recommend that you get a colonoscopy on a regular basis as prescribed by your doctor. Colonoscopies have been shown to reduce the risk of dying from colorectal cancer in patients who are tested regularly.

We also offer many options for detecting and diagnosing other types of gastrointestinal cancer, such as:

• Blood tests and abdominal ultrasound exams for liver cancer
• Blood and imaging tests for pancreatic cancer and gallbladder cancer
• Upper endoscopy or endoscopic ultrasound for stomach cancer, both of which are minimally invasive tests that involve the use of an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera

Complete Care for Gastrointestinal Cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer, we’re ready to provide the treatment you need. You’ll work closely with our team of experts to create a treatment plan customized for your specific type of gastrointestinal cancer, as well as any unique medical needs or concerns you might have.

Your treatment plan likely will include one or more of the following:

• Medical oncology, the use of medications to treat your cancer
• Radiation oncology, the use of radiation to shrink or destroy tumors
• Surgical oncology, the physical removal of tumors or breast tissue

If you need surgery as part of your treatment plan, our board-certified surgeons often can remove gastrointestinal tumors and other cancerous tissue through the use of minimally invasive surgery. These techniques involve smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

We also use advanced robotic surgical systems that are specially designed for gastrointestinal surgery. These systems allow our doctors to perform incredibly precise surgeries with improved visualization and greater accuracy than are possible with standard surgery.

On top of our standard treatment options, patients often can access therapies that aren’t yet available from other providers by participating in clinical trials. These trials allow our doctors to test the newest treatments for gastrointestinal cancer. Learn more about our clinical trials.

Comprehensive Support During Your Cancer Treatment and Beyond

You’ll be able to rely on your experienced nurse navigator throughout your cancer journey. This trained, experienced professional will help you coordinate the many appointments, tests, procedures, and other factors involved in your treatment for gastrointestinal cancer. In addition, your nurse navigator can help you get answers to your questions and guide you toward support systems.

We encourage you to take advantage of our helpful survivorship care programs for patients. These include cancer nutrition services, led by a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition, to help you manage appetite changes, weight loss, and other nutritional concerns relating to your cancer treatment. We also offer mind, body, and relaxation services designed to lower your stress and promote the healing process.

You and your loved ones may benefit from our resources for cancer patients and families. These include support groups and special programs to help you learn and gain strength from others who have been in similar situations.

No matter what you need, our team of dedicated gastrointestinal cancer specialists, oncology nurses, and other professionals will be by your side.