intestinal cancer

Intestinal Cancer Overview

Intestinal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer or small bowel cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the small intestine, which is a long and thin part of the digestive system. According to search results [12], it accounts for less than 1% of all new cancer diagnoses.

Symptoms

The symptoms of intestinal cancer can vary from person to person but may include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• A lump in the abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms are often non-specific and can be similar to those experienced by people with other conditions [14].

Risk Factors

Several risk factors have been identified for intestinal cancer, including:

• Age: This type of cancer is more likely to occur in people who are over the age of 65 years.
• Alcohol use: A large analysis of several studies found that alcohol use might be a factor in the development of small intestine cancer [11].
• Celiac disease: There is an increased risk of intestinal cancer in people with celiac disease.

Prevention and Early Detection

While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent intestinal cancer, regular screening tests can help detect it early when it is more treatable. In fact, thanks to more people taking time for colon cancer screening, healthcare providers are able to catch and treat colon cancer before it causes symptoms [15].

References:

[11] Alcohol use might be a factor in the development of small intestine cancer. [12] Intestinal cancer accounts for less than 1% of all new cancer diagnoses. [14] Symptoms of intestinal cancer can be non-specific and similar to those experienced by people with other conditions. [15] Regular screening tests can help detect colon cancer early when it is more treatable.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Cancer

Intestinal cancer, also known as colorectal or bowel cancer, can manifest in various ways, depending on the type, location, and stage of the disease. While some people may not experience any symptoms at all, others may exhibit a range of signs that can be indicative of intestinal cancer.

Common Symptoms:

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea or constipation can be early warning signs of intestinal cancer.
• Blood in Stool: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is a common symptom of colorectal cancer.
• Pain or Cramping: Pain or cramping in the lower stomach, abdomen, or rectum can indicate intestinal cancer.
• Bloating and Gas: Feeling bloated or experiencing gas can be an early sign of intestinal cancer.
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss without dieting can be a symptom of colorectal cancer.
• Fatigue: Excessive fatigue or tiredness can be indicative of intestinal cancer.

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Changes in Appetite: A decrease or increase in appetite can be a sign of intestinal cancer.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, people may experience nausea and vomiting due to intestinal cancer.
• Leg Pain: Leg pain, aches, soreness, or discomfort can be a symptom of colorectal cancer.

Important Note:

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

• [1] Symptoms · A change in bowel habits. · Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement). · Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not ... (Source: Search Result 5)
• [2] Symptoms can include: · bleeding from your bottom · blood in your poo · a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea ... (Source: Search Result 6)
• [3] Symptoms of colorectal cancer include diarrhea, constipation, feeling full and blood in the stool. Learn about symptoms of colorectal cancer. (Source: Search Result 7)
• [4] Symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can include a change in your normal bowel habit, blood in your poo, pain or feeling more tired than usual. (Source: Search Result 8)
• [5] Colon cancer symptoms vary person to person. 1. Diarrhea or constipation 2. Change in normal bowel habits 3. Urge to have a bowel movement when there ... (Source: Search Result 9)
• [6] Common symptoms of intestinal cancer may be confused with colorectal or anal cancer symptoms. In addition, small intestine cancer symptoms may be signs of other conditions or gastrointestinal diseases. Often, however, small tumors may not cause any apparent symptoms. Sometimes the cancer may be found by chance during another unrelated procedure ... (Source: Search Result 12)
• [7] The signs and symptoms of colon cancer can vary, depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Catching colon cancer early is key to treatment potential. (Source: Search Result 13)

Diagnostic Tests for Intestinal Cancer

Intestinal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its location and symptoms that may mimic other conditions. However, various diagnostic tests are available to help identify the disease.

• Blood tests: While blood tests cannot directly detect intestinal cancer, they can provide clues about a person's overall health and potential complications related to the disease [5].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, and X-rays can be used to visualize the small intestine and other parts of the abdomen and pelvis to detect growths and assess whether cancer has spread [7]. These tests are essential in staging the disease and planning treatment.
• Colonoscopy: Although primarily used for colon cancer diagnosis, a colonoscopy may also be performed to examine the small intestine if symptoms suggest intestinal cancer. However, this is not a standard diagnostic test for intestinal cancer [3].
• Endoscopy with biopsy: An upper endoscopy with biopsy can be used to diagnose stomach cancer, but it may also be used to investigate symptoms of intestinal cancer [9].

Multiple tests and procedures are often required

Due to the difficulty in diagnosing small bowel cancers, people suspected of having this condition often need multiple tests and procedures to locate the cancer or rule out a cancer. These may include blood tests, imaging tests, endoscopy with biopsy, and other diagnostic procedures [10].

Treatment Options for Intestinal Cancer

Intestinal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer, can be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The treatment plan depends on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

• Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for intestinal cancer, especially if the cancer is localized to one area of the small intestine. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancerous tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. For intestinal cancer, chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Common chemotherapy drugs for bowel cancer include fluorouracil, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin [6].
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery or as a standalone treatment.

Chemotherapy Drugs Used for Intestinal Cancer

Some of the most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat intestinal cancer include:

• Fluorouracil (5-FU)
• Capecitabine
• Irinotecan
• Oxaliplatin [8]

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications that specifically target cancer cells. For stage 4 or recurrent colon cancer, targeted therapy drugs such as bevacizumab (Avastin) may be used in combination with chemotherapy [7].

New Developments in Treatment

Recent studies have shown promising results for new treatments, including dostarlimab (JEMPERLI), a laboratory-synthesized molecule that can act as a substitute for human antibodies [9]. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for individual cases of intestinal cancer.

The differential diagnosis of intestinal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, involves considering various conditions that can mimic or be confused with this type of cancer.

Common Differential Diagnoses

• Benign colon polyps: These are growths on the inner lining of the colon that can cause similar symptoms to colorectal cancer.
• Diverticulitis: This is an inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches in the wall of the colon, which can cause abdominal pain and fever.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and symptoms similar to colorectal cancer.
• Small intestine tumors: These are rare tumors that can arise in the small intestine and may be mistaken for colorectal cancer.
• Gastrointestinal lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that affects the immune system and can occur in the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon.

Other Conditions to Consider

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can cause lower abdominal pain and fever, which may be mistaken for colorectal cancer.
• Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder can cause symptoms similar to those of colorectal cancer.
• Endometritis: Inflammation of the uterus can also cause symptoms that may be confused with colorectal cancer.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial in distinguishing between these conditions and colorectal cancer. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy, biopsy, and imaging studies are essential to make an accurate diagnosis.

References:

• [1] The differential diagnosis of colon cancer includes the following conditions: Arteriovenous malformation: can cause rectal bleeding. Carcinoid tumors: may develop from colonic mucosal neuroendocrine cells, varying in terms of size, location, and aggressiveness.
• [2] Other diagnoses that may appear similar to colorectal cancer or differential diagnosis are: ... Affordable Care Act boosts colon cancer care for underserved groups in Pennsylvania;
• [3] The incidence of small intestine cancer is very low in the United States, with SI cancer only accounting for approximately 3 to 5% of all gastrointestinal tract malignancies.
• [4] Colorectal Cancer Differential Diagnosis. Colorectal cancer must be differentiated from other diseases that cause lower abdominal pain and fever like appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cystitis, and endometritis.
• [5] The differential diagnosis will be discussed. Overview. Adenocarcinoma. Lymphoma. Carcinoid tumor. GIST. Differential diagnosis. ... HNPCC Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome.