2023-07-07 15:01:03
Small intestine cancer is rare in the gastrointestinal tract, so it can be diagnosed late. The prognosis depends on the type of cancer, its stage and the initial location of the tumor in the small intestine.
1. Signs of small intestine cancer
The signs of small intestine cancer vary depending on the type of tumor and where it is located (source: Les Hospices Civils de Lyon). Some people with carcinoma have no signs. Clinical symptoms and signs may include:
Abdominal pain or cramps Trouble with bowel movements Feeling of a lump in the abdomen Nausea and vomiting Unexplained weight loss Anemia, detected on blood work or suspected on physical examination Bloody stools (red or black, tarry)
2. Diagnosis of the small intestine
Small intestine cancer is a rare type of cancer which represents only 5% of gastrointestinal cancers in France (source: Ligue contre le cancer). Unlike cancers of the colon, rectum, esophagus and stomach, cancer of the small intestine is rarely diagnosed due to its rarity and the diversity of its symptoms (source: Canadian Cancer Society). However, it can be detected during an imaging test performed to determine the cause of unexplained symptoms. Doctors follow the following diagnostic steps:
Physical examination and history: the doctor examines the patient and asks him questions about his symptoms, his medical history, family and his lifestyle. Blood analysis: this is a check of the proper functioning of the organs, in particular the liver, carried out using a complete blood count and an analysis of the biochemistry of the blood. Imaging tests: The most common procedures are CT-enteroscopy and enteroscopy. CT-enteroscopy uses a dye to better visualize the small intestine, while enteroscopy uses a tube fitted with a camera to visualize the inside of the small intestine. During the enteroscopy, the doctor may take tissue samples (biopsy) which will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. The video capsule is a recent technique consisting of swallowing a capsule containing a miniature camera to the patient. It moves through the gastrointestinal tract and takes pictures as it progresses. These photos are then sent to a portable device that the patient has with them. This method is particularly indicated for the diagnosis of cancer of the small intestine, but does not allow biopsies to be performed.
3. Small Intestine Cancer Treatment
The treatment for small intestine cancer depends on the type of cancer, its stage, the location of the tumor and the characteristics of the cancer cells. Most small intestine cancers are treated with surgery, which involves removing the affected part of the small intestine (resection).
If nearby lymph nodes are affected, they can also be removed. This treatment is often supplemented by chemotherapy, which aims to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells by using drugs to destroy them or prevent them from dividing.
After surgery, a multidisciplinary team usually administers adjuvant chemotherapy to eliminate any cancerous cells that the surgeon could not remove. If the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, systemic chemotherapy may be needed. Radiotherapy sessions can be added to the care protocol.
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