Non-neoplastic Gastrointestinal Diseases

Non-neoplastic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are benign, non-cancerous disorders that affect the digestive system, including the biliary system, liver, pancreas, and anus.

Types of gastrointestinal disease include:

• Diverticulosis: Refers to a disorder which arises from the presence of abnormal protruding pouches within the large intestinal wall. An unusual bulge in the colon wall is known as a diverticulum. Several bulges, called diverticula, are quite common after 50 and are mostly found in the lower region of the colon. The pouches are susceptible to inflammation, a disorder characterised as diverticulitis. Inflammation of the diverticula may result in nausea, fever, severe pain, and changes in bowel habits. Diverticula slowly form in the colonic walls, which may develop due to straining or spasms.
• Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and suffers irreparable damage. As a result, scar tissue forms and replaces healthy liver tissue. Once cirrhosis becomes worse, the liver starts to fail. Cirrhosis normally manifests as itchy skin and fatigue, but symptoms don’t usually begin until the liver is severely damaged. The causes include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, and chronic hepatitis B and C. A diagnosis is made based on an evaluation of one’s medical history, physical assessment, blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause to prevent the condition from exacerbating.
• Ulcers are exposed sores that form on the inner lining of the stomach, small intestine and oesophagus. A stomach ulcer forms when stomach acid penetrates the stomach lining, resulting in a sore. The typical signs include a burning sensation in the stomach and indigestion. Stomach ulcers, although prevalent and quite treatable, can result in serious complications when neglected. For example, some ulcers can bleed profusely, resulting in substantial blood loss. Some may even lead to erosion of the stomach wall until there’s a sizeable hole.