small intestine lymphoma

Small intestine lymphoma, also known as gastrointestinal lymphoma, refers to a type of cancer that originates in the lymph tissue within the intestines. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon and rectum), and esophagus.

Types of Small Intestine Lymphoma

Small intestine lymphoma is divided into subtypes based on the cells they affect. About 9 out of 10 cases affect a type of lymphocyte called B cells, while rarely, it may affect someone's T cells (another type of lymphocyte).

Symptoms and Characteristics

The symptoms and characteristics of small intestine lymphoma can vary depending on the location and extent of the disease. Some common features include:

• Bowel wall thickening: Small-bowel lymphoma typically involves a single loop of bowel, with 5-20 cm of its length demonstrating bowel wall thickening [5].
• Ulcerations and nodules: Intestinal lymphomas can present as multifocal ulcerations with irregular margins, nodules, large masses, or diffuse mucosal involvement [7].

Survival Rates

Research into the outlook for people with small intestine lymphoma differs. An older 2012 study found that the 5-year survival rate was 64.2% [1]. A more recent 2021 study found that 48.5% of participants with intestinal lymphoma, specifically those with B-cell lymphoma, survived 5 years with chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation therapy [15].

References

• [1] An older 2012 study of 46 people with small intestine lymphoma found that the 5-year survival rate was 64.2%.
• [5] Small-bowel lymphoma involves a single loop of bowel, with 5-20 cm of its length demonstrating bowel wall thickening.
• [7] Intestinal lymphomas can present as multifocal ulcerations with irregular margins, nodules, large masses, or diffuse mucosal involvement.
• [15] A 2021 study found that 48.5% of participants with intestinal lymphoma, specifically those with B-cell lymphoma, survived 5 years with chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Symptoms of Small Intestine Lymphoma

Small intestine lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can cause various symptoms that may affect the quality of life. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: This is often crampy and may not be constant, sometimes starting or getting worse after eating [7].
• Fever: Unexplained fever can be a symptom of small intestine lymphoma [1].
• Unintended weight loss: Patients with small intestine lymphoma may experience unexplained weight loss due to malabsorption of nutrients [3][5].
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur due to the tumor's effect on the digestive system [3][8].
• Diarrhea: Malabsorption of nutrients can lead to diarrhea, a common symptom in small intestine lymphoma patients [6].
• Bloody stools: In some cases, bloody stools may be present due to the tumor's invasion into the intestinal wall [3].
• Anemia: Low red blood cell levels (anemia) can occur due to chronic bleeding or malabsorption of iron-rich nutrients [3].

It is essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and a proper diagnosis should only be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

References: [1] Small intestine lymphoma is when non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and unintended weight loss. [3] Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Lymphoma. Intestinal lymphoma often causes signs and symptoms such as: Upset stomach; Nausea ; Vomiting; Abdominal pain; Weight loss; Diarrhea; Bloody stools; Anemia (low red blood cell levels) T-cell intestinal lymphoma may also cause an itchy rash. [5] Intestinal lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymph tissue within the intestines. ... Small intestine lymphoma is when non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects the small intestine. Symptoms ... [6] Intestinal lymphoma of the small intestine is a recognized complication of celiac sprue, and can occur in immunodeficiency syndromes. ... occurring in middle age or later years. What are the symptoms of intestinal lymphoma? Symptoms can include: crampy-like abdominal pain; weight loss; features of malabsorption; rectal bleeding; severe ... [7] Feb 8, 2018 — The first symptom is pain in the stomach area. This pain is often crampy and may not be constant. For example, it may start or get worse after you eat. [8] What are the symptoms of small intestine cancer? · Abdominal pain or cramps. · A lump in your abdomen. · Nausea and vomiting.

Diagnostic Tests for Small Intestine Lymphoma

Small intestine lymphoma can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms. However, various diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of this condition.

• Imaging tests: These include:
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans: Help doctors examine the inside of the small intestine and other parts of the abdomen and pelvis to detect growths and determine the extent of cancer spread [5].
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Enables doctors to look at the small intestine and surrounding areas to detect growths and assess cancer spread [5].
• Endoscopy: A procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the small intestine using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end. This can help identify tumors or other abnormalities [6].
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the affected area for examination under a microscope. This is often done during an endoscopy procedure [8, 9].
• Blood tests: These may be used to check for abnormal blood cells or proteins that can indicate lymphoma [7].
• Upper GI series: This test uses X-rays and barium to visualize the upper digestive tract, including the small intestine. It can help identify tumors or other abnormalities [9].

Staging Tests

To determine the extent of cancer spread within the body, doctors may use additional tests such as:

• Ultrasounds
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
• Endoscopy with biopsy

These tests can help stage small intestine lymphoma and inform treatment decisions.

References: [5] - [Context 5] [6] - [Context 6] [7] - [Context 7] [8] - [Context 8] [9] - [Context 9]

Treatment Options for Small Intestine Lymphoma

Small intestine lymphoma, also known as intestinal lymphoma, can be treated with various methods depending on the subtype and severity of the disease. Here are some common treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: This is a common treatment approach for small intestine lymphoma. Chemotherapy involves using medications to kill cancer cells. The CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen is often used in combination with other treatments.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor or affected portion of the small intestine. This can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Rituximab: This medication has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of lymphoma, including extranodal lymphoma (lymphoma that occurs outside of the lymph nodes). However, its use is still being evaluated for small intestine lymphoma.
• Bortezomib: This proteasome inhibitor has been used to treat some lymphomas, usually after other treatments have been tried. It works by blocking a protein that cancer cells need to grow and multiply.

Treatment Considerations

It's essential to note that treatment plans are tailored to individual patients based on factors such as the type of lymphoma, stage of disease, overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment may involve a combination of these options or other approaches.

• Indolent lymphoma: For people with indolent (slow-growing) lymphoma, treatment may not be necessary right away. They may be able to wait until symptoms appear before starting treatment.
• Symptom management: In some cases, treatment focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. This can help improve quality of life and alleviate discomfort.

References

1. Small intestine cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the small intestine. The small intestine is part of the body’s digestive system, which also includes the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine. [3]
2. Treatment for small bowel cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other options might be chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your health care team considers the location of your cancer and its type when creating a treatment plan. [12]
3. Fludarabine alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide is effective as a first-line agent for patients with low-grade NHL. It has also been used to treat extranodal lymphoma. [9]
4. Bortezomib (Velcade) is a proteasome inhibitor used to treat some lymphomas, usually after other treatments have been tried. [10]

The differential diagnosis of small intestine lymphoma involves considering various conditions that can present similarly to lymphoma in the small intestine. According to medical literature, the differential diagnosis includes:

• Inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease [2]
• Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel [2]
• Metastases, particularly from melanoma and renal cancer [4, 6]
• Intestinal leiomyosarcoma, characterized by large necrotic/colliquative cavitations [4]
• Benign reactive conditions and different variants of lymphoma [5]

It's also worth noting that the clinical presentation of small intestinal lymphoma is non-specific, with symptoms such as colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea being common [3]. The diagnosis of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL) can be challenging due to its rarity and similarity in presentation to other conditions [12].

Imaging studies, such as contrast-enhanced CT, PET, conventional endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy, are essential for the diagnostic evaluation of suspected small bowel lymphoma [7]. Additionally, expert pathologic assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially when coupled with appropriately directed endoscopic evaluation [9].

In terms of treatment, malignant lymphoma of the small bowel is typically treated with surgical resection, followed by chemotherapy to prevent perforation. Radiation therapy may also be used in some cases [15].