Small Intestine Cancer

There are five types of small intestine cancer. Without going into medical terms, most cancerous growths in the small intestines are malignant. These malignant tumors are marked by progressive and uncontrolled growth and dangerous to your health.

Your digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, the small intestine and large intestine. Whatever you eat is digested here and converted to absorbable substances. The nutrients, such as minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats and water, are sent where they are needed in the body. The wastes are sent for elimination.

The small intestine is the tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine. It is long and folds many times to fit in the abdomen. The first part of small intestine is the duodenum. The latter two parts are known as jejunum and ileum.

Causes of small intestine cancer:

Some causes of colon cancer, such as diet and health history, may also lead to small intestine cancer. Risk factors include:

• high-fat diet
• chronic inflammation of the ileum
• inability to tolerate wheat protein
• family history of polyp formation

Signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer

These include abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. As the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, it is necessary to consult a doctor if you see the following symptoms:

• cramps or pain in the mid-abdomen
• a palpable lump in the abdomen
• bloody stools
• weight loss without evident reason

Diagnosis of small intestine cancer

Imaging tests that show pictures of the area around the small intestine may initially indicate if there is a tumor or obstruction. Further tests are performed to establish the type of cancer if there is any indication cancer. These tests may include:

• blood chemistry and liver function tests
• abdominal x-rays
• fecal tests to see occult (hidden) blood in stools
• endoscopy, a thin slender tube is inserted into the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach small intestine, which allows visual examination of the area
• biopsy, a small piece of the tumor is cut for microscopic examination to see if cancer cells are present

Treatment options

The first treatment is surgery. Even when the entire visible cancer is removed, there may be a need for follow up treatment.

Follow up treatments include:

• radiation therapy: high energy x-rays are directed at the affected area to destroy remaining cancer cells, if any
• chemotherapy: use of drugs to stop cancer cell from growing
• biological therapy: boosting the immune system to fight cancer cells

This cancer is relatively rare, compared to colon cancer and stomach cancer. When it occurs in the duodenum, it is similar to stomach cancer. But when it occurs in the latter two parts of the small intestine, it is more similar to colon cancer.

A lot of research is being done to improve colon cancer survivability due to the discovery of new treatments. The best cancer hospitals in the country even offer small intestine transplants.

Please let us know if you need further help or need help contacting a treatment center.

Written by Steve Goldner - 4/10/09

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