small intestine cancer

What is Small Intestine Cancer?

Small intestine cancer, also known as small bowel cancer, is a rare type of cancer that starts in the small intestine, which is a long tube that carries digested food between the stomach and the large intestine. The small intestine plays a crucial role in digesting and absorbing nutrients from the foods we eat.

Types of Small Intestine Cancer

There are five types of small intestine cancer, including:

• Duodenal cancer (cancer of the first part of the small intestine)
• Jejunum and ileum cancer (cancer of the latter two parts of the small intestine)

Risk Factors

Small intestine cancer is relatively rare compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this disease, including:

• Age: Cancer risk increases with age, with an average age of diagnosis at 65.
• Gender: Small intestine cancer is slightly more common in people assigned male at birth (AMAB).
• Race: In the U.S., small intestine cancer is slightly more common among Black individuals.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of small bowel cancer include:

• Abdominal pain or a lump in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in the stool

These symptoms can be similar to those experienced by people with other gastrointestinal conditions, making diagnosis challenging.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Small Intestine Cancer

Small intestine cancer, also known as small bowel cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its vague symptoms. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of this rare disease.

• Abdominal Pain: A persistent pain or discomfort in the abdomen is one of the most common symptoms of small intestine cancer [1][3][8].
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of small intestine cancer, as the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food is impaired [5][6][9].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some people with small intestine cancer may experience nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances [1][8].
• Constipation: Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, can be a symptom of small intestine cancer [8][14].
• Blood in Stool: In some cases, people with small intestine cancer may notice blood in their stool, which can be a sign of bleeding from the tumor [5][7].

Other Possible Symptoms

While these symptoms are common, it's essential to note that they can also be caused by other conditions. Some possible signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer include:

• Weakness and Fatigue: Feeling weak or tired due to malabsorption of nutrients [9].
• Low Red Blood Cell Counts: Anemia can occur due to chronic blood loss from the tumor [7].
• Lump in Abdomen: A palpable mass or lump in the abdomen may be felt by a healthcare provider during a physical examination [3][8].

Important Note

It's crucial to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other, more common conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context 1 [3] Context 3 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 7 [8] Context 8 [9] Context 9

Diagnostic Tests for Small Intestine Cancer

Small intestine cancer can be challenging to diagnose, but various tests and procedures can help confirm the diagnosis. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect small intestine cancer:

• Upper Endoscopy: A thin, lighted tube with a camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth to closely examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
• Capsule Endoscopy: A small camera capsule is swallowed, which takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine as it passes through.
• Double Balloon Endoscopy: A procedure that uses a special instrument made up of two tubes to look at the inside of the small intestine.
• CT Scan: Computed Tomography scans can reveal abnormalities in the interior of the small intestine and show where the cancer is located and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
• MRI and CT Scans: Both provide similar information about how a tumor may be impacting soft tissue, but CT scans are used more often to diagnose small intestine cancer.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests can help determine if the cancer has spread to the liver or other organs by measuring levels of certain substances in the blood.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans can be used to create images that reveal abnormalities in the interior of the small intestine.

Staging Small Intestine Cancer

After a diagnosis is made, staging provides important information about the extent of cancer in the body and anticipated response to treatment. Staging involves evaluating the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

• Liver Function Tests: These tests measure how well the liver is working and can help determine if the cancer has spread to the liver.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests can also be used to stage small intestine cancer by measuring levels of certain substances in the blood.

Early Detection

Regular tests, especially for people with certain inherited genetic syndromes who are at increased risk of small intestine cancer, can help detect cancer early. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improving outcomes.

• Upper Endoscopy: Regular upper endoscopies may be recommended for individuals at high risk.
• Capsule Endoscopy: This test can also be used to screen for small intestine cancer in high-risk individuals.

References

1. [3] Upper Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube with a camera at its tip, to closely look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
2. [10] Tests for Small Intestine Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) Stages and Outlook (Prognosis)
3. [11] Find out how small intestine cancer is tested for, diagnosed, and staged.
4. [13] Diagnostic tests are used to determine the presence of cancer cells in the small intestine.
5. [14] Liver function tests are used to stage small intestine cancer.
6. [15] A series of tests will often begin with a physical exam and discussion of the patient’s medical history, in which a physician will take note of a patient’s age and overall health, the symptoms the patient is experiencing and the results of any previous testing.

Chemotherapy for Small Intestine Cancer

Small intestine cancer treatment involves chemotherapy, which uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion or taken by mouth.

• Common Chemotherapy Drugs: The specific chemotherapy drugs used depend on the individual case and may be given orally or intravenously.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells. Metastatic small intestine adenocarcinoma is sometimes treated with targeted therapy.
• Chemotherapy Combinations: Some of the drug combinations that seem to work in advanced small intestine cancer include:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss

Treatment Options

Small intestine cancer treatment involves surgery when possible, and sometimes radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by:

• Targeting Cancer Cells: Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells.
• Destroying Cancer Cells: Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells throughout your body.

Treatment for Recurrent Small Intestine Cancer

Treatment of recurrent small intestine cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is usually a clinical trial of new anticancer drugs or biologic therapy. Treatment of locally recurrent small intestine cancer may include:

• Surgery: Surgery may be an option for treating locally recurrent small intestine cancer.

References:

[1] Chemotherapy for small intestine cancer may be given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion or taken by mouth.[2] [3] Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells.[4] [5] Some of the drug combinations that seem to work in advanced small intestine cancer include: ... These depend on the type and dose of drugs, and the length of treatment.[1] [6] Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by targeting cancer cells or destroying cancer cells throughout your body.[3][4] [7] Treatment of recurrent small intestine cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is usually a clinical trial of new anticancer drugs or biologic therapy.[14] [8] Surgery may be an option for treating locally recurrent small intestine cancer.[14]

The differential diagnosis of small intestine cancer involves considering various conditions that may present similarly to small bowel tumors. According to medical literature, the differential diagnosis includes:

• Inflammatory and infectious diseases: Such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and gastrointestinal infections [2][6]
• Benign neoplasms: Adenomas, hamartomas, leiomyomas, and other types of benign tumors [5]
• Vascular disorders: Ischemia, vasculitis, and graft-versus-host disease [8]
• Gastrointestinal motility disorders: Ileus and small intestinal diverticulosis [6]
• Other malignancies: Carcinoid tumor, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma [4][7]

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of small intestine cancer can be challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical manifestations. A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies (such as MRI and CT scans), endoscopic examinations, and laboratory tests, is often necessary to rule out other conditions and confirm a diagnosis of small bowel cancer.

References:

[2] - The small intestine accounts for 75% of the length and 90% of the mucosal surface of the alimentary tract; however, because of certain unique physiological features (rapid transit, alkaline content, IgA secretion and lymphoid tissue) it is the site of only 2–6% of all gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms [1,2].

[4] - Different types include carcinoid tumors, adenocarcinomas, sarcomas and lymphoma. Diagnosis often requires multiple procedures and tests.

[5] - The differential diagnosis of small bowel tumors may include benign and malignant lesions. Benign lesions may include adenomas, hamartomas, leiomyomas, and ...

[6] - Differential Diagnoses · Crohn Disease · Ileus · Small Intestinal Diverticulosis · Ulcerative Colitis.

[7] - In this article, an overview will be given of the most common benign and malignant types of small bowel tumors, including their imaging characteristics.

[8] - These include inflammatory bowel disease, ischemia, vasculitis, infection, graft-versus-host disease, angioedema, and other conditions.