Small intestine cancer is an uncommon disease that triggers cells in your small intestines to become malignant. When these malignant cells grow at a quick rate, they form tumors that affect the digestive process.
The small intestine, or little bowel, is an essential part of your digestive system– which likewise includes the esophagus, stomach, and big intestinal tract. The little bowel breaks down your food and absorbs needed vitamins and fats.
This organ is a long, coiled tube that’s divided into three sections:
- duodenum, the very first part of the small intestine that connects to the stomach
- jejunum, the middle portion of the small intestine
- ileum, the last portion of the small intestine that connects to the colon
Tumors in any part of your small intestine will affect the digestive process, consisting of how nutrients are soaked up into your body, and block the circulation of food.
Small Intestine Cancer Symptoms
In its earlier stages, small intestine cancer can be related to abdominal pain and discomfort. This might be due to the fact that food can’t pass efficiently through your digestive tract.
Other symptoms you may experience if diagnosed with small intestine cancer include:
- nausea
- abdominal cramps
- bloating
- appetite loss
If your cancer has progressed, more severe symptoms from small intestine cancer may include:
- fatigue
- weight loss
- weakness
- vomiting
- vitamin deficiency
- anemia
- diarrhea
- bloody or black stools
- lump in the abdomen
- jaundice
If you experience any of these signs or if they worsen with time, seek immediate medical attention. Signs from this type of cancer can likewise be an indicator of other gastrointestinal diseases. Early detection can help ensure you receive the very best treatment for your condition.
Types of Small Intestine Cancer
There are 5 major types of small intestine cancer:
- Adenocarcinoma. This form starts in your secretory cells. These cells are in tissues that line your major organs and are accountable for launching mucus and digestive juices.
- Sarcoma. This type of cancer starts in the bones or soft tissues, including fibrous and connective tissues, muscle, and cartilage.
- Carcinoid tumors. These tumors grow slowly and might spread to the liver or other parts of the body.
- Lymphoma. This cancer, which begins in the cells of the immune system, can be further classified as either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors. These type in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. They can be benign or malignant.
Diagnosing Small Intestine Cancer
Correct diagnosis of small bowel cancer needs a thorough evaluation of your case history and signs. This can help identify your danger of small intestine cancer through heredity.
Prior to suggesting treatment, your doctor will likewise use a series of tests and treatments to properly diagnose your condition. These procedures will also assist identify if your cancer has spread to various areas of your body.
Common treatments utilized to identify small intestine cancer include:
- blood tests
- X-ray imaging
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- biopsy
- endoscopy
- colonoscopy
- barium swallow
- liver function tests
- laparotomy
Small Intestine Cancer Treatment
Treatment ultimately depends on the type of small intestine cancer you establish and how far it has advanced. Your doctor will weigh aspects such as these when making treatment recommendations:
- Has the cancer spread past the wall of your small intestine and into other places in your body, such as the lymph nodes or liver?
- Can the cancer be gotten rid of?
- Is the diagnosis new or frequent?
The more typical treatment recommendation is surgery, permitting doctors to get rid of the portion of your intestine impacted by tumors. Your doctor may likewise pick to carry out a coronary bypass, a treatment that reroutes food around the tumor if it can’t be eliminated.
Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy and radiation together with a surgical procedure. These are alternatives for cancer that has become more widespread.
Early detection of small intestine cancer can increase your rate of healing. If you’ve been diagnosed with small intestine cancer, discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
Outlook for This Disease
Small intestine cancer is an unusual disease that causes cells in your intestinal tissues to become malignant. Left without treatment, small intestine cancer can be dangerous and can spread to other areas of the body.
Your outlook depends upon the kind of small intestine cancer you develop, and whether it can be gotten rid of, has spread out beyond the small intestine, or is persistent.
Early detection permits doctors to find the best course of treatment for your condition. If you start experiencing irregular symptoms or if you have a history of digestive tract cancer, schedule a visit with your doctor.
