Overview
Small intestine cancer is a rare malignancy that arises in the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum, parts of the small bowel. It includes several subtypes:
- Adenocarcinoma (most common)
- Carcinoid tumors (neuroendocrine tumors)
- Lymphoma
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stool or black tarry stools (melena)
- Bowel obstruction
- Fatigue or anemia
Causes & Risk Factors
- Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- Lynch syndrome, FAP (genetic syndromes)
- Diet high in red/processed meat
- Smoking and alcohol
- Age >60
Diagnosis
- Upper endoscopy or enteroscopy with biopsy
- Capsule endoscopy or double-balloon enteroscopy
- CT/MRI enterography
- PET scan or somatostatin receptor imaging (for NETs)
Treatment Options
- Surgery (main curative option)
- Chemotherapy (especially for adenocarcinomas or lymphomas)
- Targeted therapy (e.g., for GISTs or NETs)
- Radiation therapy (rarely used)
Prognosis
- Varies by type and stage
- 5-year survival:
- Localized: ~85%
- Regional: ~76%
- Distant: ~42%
Living with this Cancer Type
- Managing nutritional needs and absorption
- Monitoring for recurrence
- Support for gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue
Prevention & Screening
- No routine screening available
- Genetic testing for high-risk families
- Manage inflammatory bowel diseases
FAQs
Q: Is small intestine cancer the same as colon cancer?
A: No. It arises in a different part of the gastrointestinal tract and behaves differently.
Q: Is it curable?
A: Yes, especially if found early and treated surgically.
Q: Are symptoms obvious?
A: Often vague, which can delay diagnosis.
Resources
- Carcinoid Cancer Foundation
- American Gastroenterological Association
- ClinicalTrials.gov
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