"CT scan can help identify and assess the local, regional and distant spread of cancer arising from the small intestine."
Diagnosis
CT scan can help identify and assess the local, regional and distant spread of cancer arising from the small intestine.
When endoscopy can reach the area easily, a biopsy can further help identify the type of tumour.
Neuroendocrine tumours need to be assessed with certain markers in the blood like Chromogranin levels and special PET scans that use molecules like DOTANOC to label and pick up cancer better.
On biopsy, additional tests like immunohistochemistry, molecular testing may need to be performed especially if lymphoma is suspected.
Treatment
What are the treatment options for small intestine cancer?
When the disease is confined to the small intestine, surgery consisting of excision remains the mainstay of treatment. Depending upon the location and extent, the nature and type of surgery will vary. The lymph nodes along the mesentery supplying the tumour bearing small intestine are removed together.
Depending on the stage after the final biopsy, the individual may need chemotherapy and/ or radiotherapy.
The mainstay of treatment in lymphoma is chemotherapy. Surgery plays a role in presence of certain complications like obstruction, bleed, or perforation.
In neuroendocrine tumours, there is a widening role of a variety of modalities including long-acting octreotide, theranostics, transarterial therapy and ablative modalities when the disease has spread to other locations.
Other Gastrointestinal Cancers
