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Small intestine cancer is an uncommon condition in which cells in the intestines become cancerous. When these malignant cells multiply quickly, they create tumors that disrupt the digestion process.
The small intestine, often known as the small bowel, is an important portion of your digestive system, along with the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine. The small bowel digests your meals and absorbs vitamins and lipids.
This organ consists of a long, coiled tube divided into three sections:
- duodenum: the initial section of the small intestine connecting to the stomach
- jejunum: the small intestine's middle section
- ileum: the last section of the small intestine that connects to the colon
Tumors in any area of your small intestine will disrupt the digestion process, including how nutrients are taken into your body, and will obstruct food movement.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SMALL INTESTINE CANCER?
Small intestine cancer is classified into five types:
- Adenocarcinoma: This kind is initiated by your secretory cells. These cells are found in the tissues that line your major organs and are in charge of secreting mucus and digestive juices.
- Sarcoma: This cancer starts in the bones or soft tissues, such as fibrous and connective tissues, muscle, and cartilage.
- Carcinoid tumors: These tumors grow slowly and have the potential to spread to the liver or other regions of the body.
- Lymphoma: This cancer, which develops in immune system cells, is classified as either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: These develop in the gastrointestinal tract's walls. They can be both benign and cancerous.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SMALL INTESTINE CANCER?
Small intestine cancer can cause abdominal pain and discomfort in its early stages. This could be due to food not passing through your digestive tract efficiently.
If you are diagnosed with small intestinal cancer, you may also suffer the following symptoms:
- nausea
- cramping in the abdomen
- bloating
- loss of appetite
More severe symptoms of small intestine cancer may occur if your disease has progressed:
- fatigue
- loosing weight
- weakness
- vomiting
- a lack of vitamins
- anemia
- diarrhea
- stools that are bloody or black
- a lump in the abdomen
- jaundice
Seek emergency medical assistance if you have any of these symptoms or if they worsen over time. Symptoms of this type of cancer might potentially be a sign of other gastrointestinal illnesses. Early detection can help you get the best therapy for your condition.
HOW IS SMALL INTESTINE CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Procedures that provide images of the small intestine and the surrounding area aid in the diagnosis of small intestinal cancer and reveal how far the cancer has gone. Staging refers to the process of determining if cancer cells have spread within and around the small intestine.
To plan treatment, it is necessary to understand the type of small intestinal cancer and whether the tumor can be removed surgically. The tests and procedures used to detect, diagnose, and stage small intestinal cancer are frequently performed concurrently. The following tests and procedures are possible:
Blood chemistry studies: A method in which a blood sample is examined to determine the levels of specific compounds produced into the blood by the body's organs and tissues. A chemical in an unusual (higher or lower than normal) concentration can be a symptom of sickness in the organ or tissue that produces it.
Abdominal x-ray: An x-ray of the abdominal organs. An x-ray is a form of radiation beam that can pass through the body and onto film, creating an image of the inside of the body.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A process that use a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to generate a sequence of detailed images of locations within the body. This method is also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
Computed tomography (CT) scan: A method that produces a series of detailed images of locations inside the body from various angles. A computer coupled to an x-ray machine creates the images. To make the organs or tissues show up more clearly, a dye may be injected into a vein or ingested. This is also known as computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues to be examined under a microscope for signs of malignancy. This could happen during the endoscopy. A pathologist examines the sample to discover if it contains cancer cells.
Upper endoscopy: A procedure that allows doctors to examine the insides of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine, near the stomach). An endoscope is placed into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum through the mouth. An endoscope is a narrow, tube-like instrument with a light and a viewing lens. It may also include a tool for extracting tissue samples, which are then examined under a microscope for signs of malignancy.
Fecal occult blood test: A test that looks for blood in feces (solid waste) that can only be seen under a microscope. Stool samples are placed on special cards and sent to the doctor or laboratory for testing.
Barium enema: A sequence of x-rays showing the lower digestive tract (GI). The rectum is filled with a liquid containing barium (a silver-white metallic compound). The lower gastrointestinal tract is coated with barium, and x-rays are taken. This is also known as a lower GI series.
Physical exam and history: An examination of the body to examine general signs of health, including the appearance of lumps or anything else that appears strange. A history of the patient's health habits, as well as previous diseases and treatments, will be taken.
Liver function tests: A process that examines a blood sample to determine the amount of various chemicals released into the blood by the liver. A higher-than-normal concentration of a chemical can be a symptom of liver illness caused by small intestine cancer.
Lymph node biopsy: The excision of a lymph node in its entirety or in part. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope in search of cancer cells.
Laparotomy: A surgical technique that involves making an incision (cut) in the abdominal wall to examine the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease. The size of the incision is determined by the cause for the laparotomy. Organs are sometimes removed or tissue samples are obtained and examined under a microscope for symptoms of disease.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SMALL INTESTINE CANCER?
Treatment is ultimately determined by the type of small intestinal cancer and how far it has progressed. When providing treatment suggestions, your doctor will consider the following factors:
- Has the cancer gone beyond the small intestine wall and into other parts of your body, such as the lymph nodes or liver?
- Is it possible to eradicate the cancer?
- Is this a new or recurring diagnosis?
Surgery, which allows doctors to remove the piece of your intestine impacted by tumors, is the more usual treatment recommendation. If the tumor cannot be removed, your doctor may choose to do a bypass surgery, which guides food around it.
In addition to surgery, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy and radiation. These are cancer treatment approaches that are becoming more popular.
Early identification of small intestinal cancer can improve your chances of survival. If you've been diagnosed with small intestinal cancer, talk to your doctor about your treatment choices.
CONCLUSION
Small intestine cancer is an uncommon condition in which cells in your gut become cancerous. Small intestine cancer, if left untreated, can be fatal and spread to other parts of the body.
Your prognosis is determined by the type of small intestine cancer you have and whether it is treatable, has gone beyond the small intestine, or is recurrent.
Doctors can determine the best course of treatment for your ailment if it is detected early. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you start having unusual symptoms or if you have a family history of intestinal cancer.