What causes small intestine cancer?

Certain genetic conditions predispose individuals to small intestine cancer. Careful family history and risk assessment tools including targeted health checks can be useful in identifying these.

When cells in the wall of the small intestine or the lymph nodes lying close to the small intestine start multiplying in an uncontrolled manner, it leads to small intestine cancer.
What are the types of small intestine cancer?

The small intestine consists of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Types of small intestine cancer include adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumours, lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

Common symptoms of small intestine cancer include:

• Abdominal pain
• Discomfort
• Postprandial fullness
• Bloating
• Constipation and/ or lose motions
• Poor appetite
• Abdominal distension
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• The passage of blood or melanic (black, tarry) stools