Small intestinal cancer

Small intestinal cancer is a rare disease where 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.

Types of Small Intestinal Cancer

There are several types of small intestinal cancer. These include adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphoma. Each type of small intestinal cancer has its own unique characteristics and treatment options.

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of small intestinal cancer. It starts in the lining of the small intestine. Most of these tumors occur in the part of the small intestine near the stomach. They may grow and block the intestine.

Sarcoma

Sarcoma of the small intestine is a rare type of cancer that begins in the soft tissues of the small intestine. The most common type of sarcoma that occurs in the small intestine is leiomyosarcoma.

Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid tumors of the small intestine are slow-growing tumors that start in the cells of the intestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that starts in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body's immune system. Rarely, lymphoma can start in the small intestine.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for small intestinal cancer include having certain inherited conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, cystic fibrosis, cancer syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), and Crohn's disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of small intestinal cancer often do not appear until the disease is advanced. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, anemia and jaundice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of small intestinal cancer is often delayed because symptoms are nonspecific and similar to other more common conditions. Diagnostic tests that examine the small intestine are used to detect and diagnose small intestinal cancer. These may include physical exam and history, blood tests, barium enema, colonoscopy, biopsy, endoscopy, CT scan, and MRI.

Treatment

Treatment of small intestinal cancer usually involves surgery to remove the tumor. Other treatments may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for small intestinal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the type of small intestinal cancer.