A colon polyp is a tiny cluster of cells that develops on the colon's lining. The majority of colon polyps are non-cancerous. However, some colon polyps can turn into colon cancer over time, which can be fatal if discovered in its later stages. Polyps in the colon don't always create symptoms. Regular screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, are necessary because colon polyps discovered early on can typically be safely and fully removed. Regular polyp detection and excision is the best way to avoid colon cancer.

A doctor can inspect the interior lining of the digestive tract through a procedure called gastrointestinal endoscopy. An endoscope is a flexible fiber-optic tube with a tiny TV camera at the end that is used for this examination. An upper GI endoscopy allows the examination of esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Ulcers, inflammations, and abnormalities in the colon can be diagnosed by colonoscopy. Enteroscopy can be utilized for analyzing the small bowel to detect GI bleeding, malabsorption and while performing surgeries.

Multiple diseases can be categorized under Esophageal and gastric disease. GERD, Hiatal Hernia, Barrett's Esophagus, and Achalasia are the most common. When stomach acid passes back into the tube that connects the mouth and stomach, it's called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This backwash (acid reflux) can cause irritation in the esophageal lining. Chronic inflammation in the esophagus can lead to esophageal stricture and esophageal ulcer.

Owing to its focus on organs impacted by hepatic disorders, hepatology differs from other specialized disciplines of medicine. The liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and biliary tract comprise of the hepatic system. Because it involves portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, Hepatology is associated to gastroenterology. Because both specialties include some of the same organs, hepatology is frequently considered a branch of gastroenterology. While a gastroenterologist can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of similar diseases, a hepatologist's focus is narrower.

The liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and/or bile ducts are all affected by pancreatic and biliary diseases. These disorders are frequently linked to long-term organ or surrounding tissue damage. These issues are sometimes genetically predetermined. These organs can create significant symptoms when they're in difficulty, but they can also cause problems quietly. Diseases with high statistics are acute pancreatitis, cholangitis, cholecytis, diabetes etc.

A partial or total blockage of the small intestine is known as small intestinal obstruction. Digested items will continue to pass into the large intestine if the small bowel is working properly. A partial or total obstruction in the small bowel might prevent contents from going through. Waste materials and gases build up in the area above the blockage as a result. It may also prevent nutrients and fluids from being absorbed. The term "colonic illnesses" refers to conditions that affect the intestines. Irritable bowel illness (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), Diverticular disease, and colon cancer are among the diseases covered under this field.

Epithelial cells lining the lumen of the stomach and small intestine secrete the traditional GI hormones. Endocrinocytes, the hormone-secreting cells, are interspersed amid a considerably larger number of epithelial cells that discharge their products (acid, mucus, etc.) or draw up nutrients from the lumen. GI hormones are produced into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, influencing the operation of various portions of the digestive tract, the liver, the pancreas, the brain, and a variety of other organs. Hormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters all have an influence on gastrointestinal function.

Patients over the age of 65 have a higher rate of esophageal and gastric diseases, including motility abnormalities, gastroesophageal reflux, reflux complications (such as Barrett's, dysplasia, and esophageal cancer), gastric ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Lower GI problems, such as pelvic floor abnormalities (including fecal incontinence), constipation, diarrheal illness, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer, also appear more frequently and atypically in the elderly. Malnutrition and obesity are major concerns among older adults, who have special dietary challenges.

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is a complex biological response to harm caused by bacteria, damaged cells, or irritants. The symbiotic microbiome in the digestive tract is thought to protect the gut by eliminating unwanted stimuli and promoting recovery. Enteric dysfunction has been linked to malnutrition, delayed cognitive development, increased susceptibility to other infectious diseases, poor oral vaccine response, and increased mortality risk as a result of diarrheal disease, infections by parasites, alterations in the gut microbial environment, and other problems.

The following are the most prevalent kinds of gastrointestinal cancers: Esophageal carcinoma, Gastric cancer (stomach cancer), colorectal cancer, pancreatic carcinoma and Liver cancer. Neuroendocrine tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and anal cancer are among the less prevalent forms. Tumors can also be caused by certain underlying disorders, such as esophageal reflux disease, Helicobacterpylori infection in the stomach, diabetes in the pancreas, inflammatory bowel disease in the large intestine (colon and rectum), hepatitis B or C virus infection, or liver cirrhosis. Inherited gastrointestinal malignancies account for a small percentage of all cancers.

The flow of food from the mouth via the pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and out of the body is referred as gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Fasting (interdigestive) and postprandial (digestive) contraction patterns are two types of GI motility that changes with a meal. Contractility of the GI tract's smooth muscles, extrinsic and intrinsic neurons (motor and sensory), and certain hormones all influence GI motility. Ghrelin (GHRL) and motilin (MLN) promote hunger and GI motility in mammals and help to maintain energy homeostasis.

The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum, as well as the pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver, are all studied in gastroenterology. It entails a thorough understanding of the gastrointestinal organs' normal function (physiology), which includes material movement through the stomach and intestine (motility), digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, waste removal from the system, and the liver's role as a digestive organ. Colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract illness, nutritional issues, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis are all included. In essence, Gastroenterology is the study of all normal and abnormal activities of the digestive organs.

Any health disorder that affects the digestive tract is referred to as a digestive ailment. Conditions may range from mild to serious. Functional and structural are the two types. The GI tract appears normal, but it does not function properly. It is functional illness. They are the most frequent gastrointestinal issues (including the colon and rectum). Common symptoms include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, bloating, GERD, and diarrhea. The term "structural gastrointestinal illnesses" refers to conditions in which the colon looks odd and does not function properly. Surgical removal of the anomaly may be required. Strictures, stenosis, hemorrhoids, Diverticular disease, colon polyps, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease are all instances of structural GI illnesses.          

A failing liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor or a piece of a healthy liver from a living donor during a liver transplant. A liver transplant is usually reserved for patients who are experiencing severe side effects from end-stage chronic liver disease. Acute or chronic liver failure is treated by transplantation.

Hepatitis is a liver infection that causes inflammation. Hepatitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection, although it can also be caused by other factors. Examples include atherosclerotic hepatitis and hepatitis caused by medications, drugs, toxins, or alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which your body develops antibodies that damage the tissue of your liver. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viral illnesses of the liver that are classed as hepatitis. Hepatitis A is always an acute, short-term infection, but hepatitis B, C, and Dare more likely to become chronic and persistent. Hepatitis E is usually severe, but it can be very dangerous for pregnant women.