Gastrointestinal lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue of the digestive tract, which includes the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and esophagus. The lymphatic system is an important part of your immune system.

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type of gastrointestinal lymphoma, and it often starts in the stomach.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastrointestinal lymphoma include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Bloody bowel movements
  • Weight loss
  • Feeling full
  • Bloating
  • Constipation

Treatments

Treatment will depend on what stage of cancer you have, where it spread (if anywhere), your symptoms, and your overall health.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medications that target cancer can all be options. You may also need surgery to fix your intestines if the cancer has damaged them.

Risk Factors

While most cases of gastrointestinal lymphoma are random, certain other conditions can increase your risk, including:

  • H. pylori
  • Celiac disease
  • Hepatitis B
  • HIV
  • Epstein-Barr
  • Other conditions that affect your immune system

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department
BMC’s colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.