Small Intestine Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Cancer is a life-threatening illness that may occur in any part of the body. Correct diagnosis and treatment can help you recover better if detected in its initial stages. However, during the advanced stages, the prognosis is generally poorer, treatment becomes challenging, and the patient is unable to recover fully.

 

Moreover, metastasis or spreading of cancer to other parts of your body worsens the condition. However, medical science has witnessed a huge advancement in recent times, hence, there are many treatment methods that can treat cancer successfully if diagnosed in its earlier stages.

 

Among the different types of cancer, small intestine cancer is among them. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer, keep reading till the end.

 

What is Small Intestine Cancer?

Small intestine cancer is a rare cancer type which starts in the tissues of the small intestine, which is a narrow, long tube connecting the stomach to the large intestine. The small intestine is an important part of the digestive system, where food is broken down, and nutrients are absorbed into the body. Small intestine cancer can occur in any part of the small intestine, but it is most commonly found in the duodenum, which is the first part of our small intestine.

 

Small intestine cancer is classified into different types, including adenocarcinoma, which is common, and other rare types, such as carcinoid tumours, sarcomas, and lymphomas. Small intestine cancer is often difficult to diagnose because the signs of small intestine cancer are similar to other digestive disorders, and there are no routine screening tests for this type of cancer

 

Small Intestine Cancer Symptoms

The small intestine cancer symptoms can be vague and nonspecific and may not appear until the cancer has advanced. Some common symptoms of small intestine cancer include:

 

• Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen, which can be dull or sharp, is a common symptom of small intestine cancer. The pain may be located in the middle or lower part of the abdomen.
• Unexplained weight loss: If you lose weight without trying, it could be a sign of small intestine cancer. This happens because the cancer cells consume nutrients from your body.
• Nausea and vomiting: Small intestine cancer can cause nausea and vomiting, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating.
• Changes in bowel movements: You may experience changes in your bowel movements, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in the stool.
• Anaemia: Small intestine cancer can cause anaemia, a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the body. This can make you feel tired and weak.
• Lump or swelling: A lump or swelling in the abdomen may be a sign of small intestine cancer.

If you are experiencing any of these small intestine cancer symptoms, consult a doctor right away. Other conditions may also cause these symptoms, but getting a proper diagnosis is important.

 

Who Is Most Likely to Get Small Intestine Cancer?

Here are some factors that may increase the risk of small intestine cancer:

 

• Age: Small intestine cancer is more common in older adults, usually over the age of 50.
• Family history: If a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has had small intestine cancer or another type of gastrointestinal cancer, the risk of developing small intestine cancer may be higher.
• Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, increase the risk of small intestine cancer.
• Crohn’s disease or celiac disease: People with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease may have an increased risk of small intestine cancer.
• Radiation exposure: People who have had radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis may have an increased risk of small intestine cancer.
• Gender: Small intestine cancer is more common in men than in women.

It is essential to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop small intestine cancer. Many people with small intestine cancer do not have any known risk factors or early signs of small intestine cancer.

 

Best Treatment for Small Intestine Cancer

Proton Therapy is one of the most advanced and effective treatments for small intestine cancer. It is a type of radiation therapy that uses beams of high-energy protons to deliver precise doses of radiation directly to malignant tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It is particularly well-suited for the treatment of small intestine cancer since it targets the tumor precisely and reduces the risk of damaging other parts of the body during treatment.

 

At Apollo Hospitals, proton therapy is used for treating various types of cancers, including small intestine cancer. The hospital has some of the best medical professionals and equipment available in India and its team includes experienced radiotherapy oncologists, physicists, and mechanical engineers who specialize in this field.

 

Conclusion

Since small intestine cancer is rare, its causes are mostly unclear. The nonspecific and vague signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer may not be visible until it is in fully advanced stage. The common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel movements, anaemia, and a lump or swelling in the abdomen.

 

However, these symptoms may be caused by other factors or health conditions, so it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Small intestine cancer can occur in anyone, but certain factors, such as age, family history, genetic conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and radiation exposure, may increase the risk. Early signs of small intestine cancer detection and treatment can improve the chances of a successful outcome, so it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening signs of small intestine cancer.