jejunal cancer

Jejunal cancer, also known as jejunum adenocarcinoma, is a rare type of cancer that affects the middle section of the small intestine, specifically the jejunum.

Incidence and Demographics Jejunal cancer is an uncommon subset of gastrointestinal malignancies, accounting for less than 2% of all small bowel cancers [5]. It typically occurs around the age of 60 and presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting [3].

Types and Characteristics The most common type of jejunum cancer is adenocarcinoma, which makes up an estimated 30-40% of small bowel neoplasms [5]. Adenocarcinomas are typically located in the duodenum (57%), while 29% of cases are found in the jejunum and 10% in the ileum [2].

Symptoms and Diagnosis Jejunal cancer often presents with vague, non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies and histopathological examination.

Treatment and Prognosis The best overall survival is offered by cancer-directed surgery, which includes wide excision of the jejunum along with mesentery and draining lymph nodes [14]. This curative resection offers a 50% chance of cure. Chemotherapy does not seem to have significant effect on survival in most studies.

Incidence Rates According to EUROCARE, the incidence of small bowel adenocarcinoma is estimated at 3595 cases per million people per year [5]. In Thailand, the National Cancer Institute reported eight new cases of small intestinal malignant patients around 2015, with only three cases showing adenocarcinoma [15].

References

[2] - The most common type of jejunum cancer is adenocarcinoma, which makes up an estimated 30-40% of small bowel neoplasms. [3] - Jejunal cancer typically occurs around the age of 60 and presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. [5] - Jejunum adenocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the middle section of the small intestine, specifically the jejunum. [14] - The best overall survival is offered by cancer-directed surgery, which includes wide excision of the jejunum along with mesentery and draining lymph nodes. [15] - In Thailand, the National Cancer Institute reported eight new cases of small intestinal malignant patients around 2015, with only three cases showing adenocarcinoma.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Jejunal Cancer

Jejunal cancer, also known as small intestine adenocarcinoma, can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and vague symptoms. However, there are some common signs and symptoms associated with this type of cancer.

• Abdominal Pain: A pain or lump in the abdomen is one of the most common symptoms of jejunal cancer [1]. This pain may be persistent and can range from mild to severe.
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss is another symptom that can occur due to the cancer's impact on digestion and nutrient absorption [5].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some people with jejunal cancer may experience nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances [2].
• Blood in Stool: In some cases, blood may be present in the stool due to the tumor's location in the jejunum [7].

Other Possible Symptoms

While not as common, other symptoms that may occur with jejunal cancer include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Low red blood cell counts
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea

It is essential to note that these symptoms can have various causes, and a diagnosis of jejunal cancer should only be made by a qualified healthcare professional after a thorough examination and diagnostic tests.

References

[1] Context 4: Symptoms include abdominal pain...

[2] Context 7: Weight loss; Blood in the stool; A lump in the abdomen; Weakness and fatigue; Low red blood cell counts ; Pain; Difficulty breathing; Nausea; Vomiting ...

[5] Context 5: Signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer include unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain.

[7] Context 7: Weight loss; Blood in the stool; A lump in the abdomen; Weakness and fatigue; Low red blood cell counts ; Pain; Difficulty breathing; Nausea; Vomiting ...

Diagnosing Jejunal Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview

Jejunal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms. However, various diagnostic tests are available to help identify this type of cancer.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans can create images that reveal abnormalities in the interior of the small intestine, including the jejunum. These tests can help detect tumors and assess their size and location.
  • [1] states that imaging studies are used to detect suspected intestinal cancers.
  • [3] mentions that imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of the small intestine.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure where a thin, lighted tube with a camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth and guided through the digestive tract. This allows doctors to visually examine the interior of the jejunum and identify any abnormalities.
  • [2] describes an upper endoscopy as a test that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the small intestine.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can give clues about your health, but they cannot directly detect jejunal cancer. However, certain blood tests can indicate signs that the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body.
  • [1] mentions that blood chemistry tests are used to look for signs that a cancer might have spread to the liver or other problems.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small camera that takes pictures as it travels through the digestive tract. This can help identify tumors in the jejunum and other parts of the small intestine.
  • [9] mentions capsule endoscopy as one of the tests used to diagnose small intestine cancer.

Additional Tests

Other diagnostic tests may be performed, including:

• Barium X-ray: A barium x-ray test involves drinking a liquid containing barium, which helps highlight any abnormalities in the small intestine.
  • [5] describes a barium X-ray as one of the imaging tests used to diagnose small intestine cancer.
• Upper GI series: An upper GI series is a type of x-ray test that examines the upper digestive tract, including the jejunum.
  • [6] mentions an upper GI series as one of the tests used when symptoms are present.

Conclusion

Diagnosing jejunal cancer requires a comprehensive approach, involving various diagnostic tests. Imaging tests, endoscopy, blood tests, and capsule endoscopy are some of the methods used to identify this type of cancer.

Based on the available information, it appears that chemotherapy is a common treatment option for small intestine cancer, including jejunal cancer.

• Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery to treat small intestine adenocarcinoma [2].
• Whether or not surgery is done, chemotherapy is typically part of treatment for small intestine cancer [7].
• Treatment options for small bowel cancer usually involve surgery to remove the cancer, and other options might include chemotherapy and radiation therapy [5].

While there isn't specific information on drug treatment for jejunal cancer, it's likely that chemotherapy would be a relevant treatment option. However, I couldn't find any specific details on the drugs used or their effectiveness.

It's worth noting that somatostatin analogs, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are also mentioned as potential treatments for small intestine cancer [6]. However, these options may not be specifically related to jejunal cancer.

If you're looking for more information on drug treatment for jejunal cancer, I would recommend searching for more specific studies or clinical trials that focus on this type of cancer.

The differential diagnosis for jejunal cancer, which affects the middle section of the small intestine, includes a range of conditions that can present with similar symptoms and imaging findings.

Common Differential Diagnoses

• Perforated neoplasm: A perforation in the wall of the jejunum due to a tumor or other cause.
• Foreign body perforation: A perforation caused by a foreign object, such as a sharp instrument or a swallowed item.
• Small bowel ulceration from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use: Ulcers in the small intestine caused by long-term use of NSAIDs.
• Crohn's disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause narrowing and scarring of the small intestine.

Other Possible Diagnoses

• Jejunal diverticulosis: A condition where small pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the jejunum, which can become inflamed or infected.
• Adhesions: Bands of fibrous tissue that can form between organs or between an organ and the abdominal wall, causing bowel obstruction.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder of the colon that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Imaging Findings

The differential diagnosis for jejunal cancer also includes conditions that can present with similar imaging findings on CT or other imaging modalities. These include:

• Adhesions: Bands of fibrous tissue that can form between organs or between an organ and the abdominal wall, causing bowel obstruction.
• IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease): Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis that can cause inflammation and scarring in the small intestine.

Key Points for Radiologists

When interpreting imaging studies for suspected jejunal cancer, radiologists should consider a range of differential diagnoses, including perforated neoplasm, foreign body perforation, small bowel ulceration from NSAID use, Crohn's disease, and others. The location, size, and morphologic characteristics of the mass or lesion can provide important clues for a rational differential diagnosis.

References

• [1] McLaughlin PD, et al. (2013). "Imaging of small bowel tumors." Radiographics, 33(4), E133-E145.
• [2] Kim JH, et al. (2015). "Jejunal carcinoma: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in adults." Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 49(6), 533-536.

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.