
Lynch Syndrome
A simple test to learn about his ancestry uncovered an unexpected syndrome that increases the risk of cancer.
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is a national leader in treating gastrointestinal cancers, including colon and rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer, bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma) and gallbladder cancer, anal cancer, and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. We work in close collaboration with the MUSC Health Digestive Disease Center, rated highly for many years for the treatment of these diseases by U.S. News & World Report.
Though they are all part of the digestive system, each of these cancers is distinct. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of these cancers, then a gastrointestinal cancer specialist who understands their differences can be your best guide through your treatment choices. Our specialists work in multidisciplinary teams that include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurse coordinators, an oncology dietitian and researchers in the lab.
Our Next-Day Access program for newly diagnosed, non-metastatic stomach and hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers means that you can start working with your team almost immediately. Our team’s goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality, most up-to-date care tailored to your needs.
You know you're in good hands at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Here, you have access to the latest innovations in cancer treatment, including clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques, support services and survivorship planning. You can rest easy knowing we hold national rankings for cancer care and take a leadership role in cancer research and prevention.
The Hollings difference“ Dr. George's willingness to talk to us was all the reassurance I needed. So I canceled all the appointments that my mom had set up at all the other hospitals. And I was like, ‘Something is telling me that this is where I'm supposed to be. And he's the doctor I need.’ ”
Adriel Nutter, colon cancer survivor
Adriel's story
At Hollings, you have the benefit of a multidisciplinary team of specialists with deep expertise in specific types of GI cancers. Our doctors don’t just follow the latest developments in treatment – they’re also doing the research. This means you will have a treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis and your individual needs.
Treatment options depend on how advanced the cancer is when it’s found. More details can be found on each of the specific cancer pages or by talking to your doctor. In general, options can include:
Our team is continually updating our techniques and technology to ensure that we can offer the least invasive, most personalized options to you.
To refer a gastrointestinal cancer patient to Hollings, please call the appropriate patient referral coordinator:
Our gastrointestinal cancer nurse navigators, Sara Sneed, BSN, RN (colorectal), and Anthony DeMeo, MSN, RN (hepatobiliary/pancreas/stomach), will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have.
As a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, we firmly believe that clinical trials are an important part of cancer care. Clinical trials show us whether new treatments work better than existing treatments. That’s important for future patients. But clinical trials are also important for current patients, because they offer the possibility of early access to new therapies or protocols that could become the standard-of-care in the future.
We offer a variety of gastrointestinal cancer clinical trials, including trials developed by researchers here at Hollings, industry trials and trials organized by other cancer centers. Some trials focus on new therapies, while others test new ideas for supportive care or screening. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current gastrointestinal cancer clinical trials and trials for specific types of gastrointestinal cancer:
Hollings is also a member of NRG Oncology and the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. These cooperative groups organize multi-institution cancer clinical trials that happen across the country. Through membership in these groups, Hollings is able to offer a wider range of clinical trials.
Ask your doctor if there is a clinical trial that fits your needs.
Catching gastrointestinal cancer early is key to improved outcomes. Many digestive cancers may present with no or mild symptoms, which makes routine screenings critical. Colorectal cancer is becoming more common among people under the age of 50.
Hollings offers you preventative screenings like colonoscopies, which are recommended for anyone over the age of 45. If you have an increased risk or a family history of colorectal cancer, earlier screenings may be necessary.
Some genetic mutations that run in families can put people at higher risk of certain types of cancer, like pancreatic, colon or stomach cancer.
The Hollings Hereditary Cancer Clinic provides a centralized location to coordinate and manage risk management for people with these cancer-causing genetic mutations.
Our team of doctors and researchers are leading the way in gastrointestinal research to help save lives around the world. Areas of focus include examining differences among people when it comes to diagnosis and survival, looking at reasons behind early onset colorectal cancer and looking at ways to reduce the burden of tobacco use in South Carolina.
Recent projects include:
In addition, Hollings’ dedicated Colon Transdisciplinary Cancer Team and Pancreatic Transdisciplinary Cancer Team bring together expertise from different disciplines in basic and clinical research for monthly meetings to collaborate on ongoing gastrointestinal cancer research.
We pride ourselves on our holistic approach to cancer care. We offer you many resources to help you throughout your cancer journey, including financial counseling, physical therapy, nutrition services, and support groups.
Patient Resources86 Jonathan Lucas Street
Charleston, SC 29425
Scheduling: 843-792-9300
Florence Medical Center
Medical Mall A
805 Pamplico Highway
Suite: 315
Florence, SC 29505
Scheduling: 843-792-9300
1315 Roberts Street
Camden, South Carolina 29020
1161 Cook Road
Orangeburg, SC 29118
Main: 803-395-4600
Fax: 803-395-4399
2575 Elms Center Road
Suite: Suite 100
North Charleston, SC 29406
Main: 843-792-9300
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