Small intestine cancer is among the rarest gastrointestinal cancer diseases, which may develop in the form of carcinoid tumors, lymphoma, sarcomas, and adenocarcinomas. The condition occurs when malignant cells develop in the small bowel or small intestine, the part of the human body’s digestive system, including such organs as the GI (gastrointestinal tract), gallbladder, pancreas, and liver.
More specifically, the small intestine is a part of the GI tract, connecting the stomach to the large intestine.
The small intestine can be divided into three distinctive parts:
- Duodenum – the first section of the organ nearest to the stomach
- Jejunum – the small intestine’s middle section
- Ileum – the longest and last section of the organ
In most cases, intestinal cancers in this organ will form either in the ileum or duodenum. Still, the disease is rare and responsible for only 3% of gastrointestinal malignancies in the US.
In this article, Dr. Omar Rashid will aim to discuss the most prominent small intestine cancer symptoms, how the disease may affect the gastrointestinal tract, and, naturally, also mention possible treatment options.
Types of Small Intestine Cancers
Most often, the different small intestine cancer types are classified based on the cell types where the mutations start. As such, they can be:
- Carcinoid tumors develop in the neuroendocrine cells. These cells help digestive functions and hormone production. More than half of small intestine malignancies will be caused by carcinoid tumors.
- Sarcomas develop in muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. GIST or gastrointestinal stroma tumors are the most common tumors from this category.
- Adenocarcinomas occur in the glands in the small intestine’s lining. Around one-third of malignant small intestine diseases are adenocarcinomas.
- Lymphoma tumors start in the lymphocyte cells or white blood cells in the lymphatic system.
Leading Causes and Small Intestine Cancer Symptoms
The main symptoms of small intestine cancer will depend on the tumor type and location. There are cases when the malignancies cause no symptoms at all (most commonly, in the case of carcinoid tumors) and will often be discovered during unrelated imaging procedures.
Still, the most common small intestine symptoms may typically include the following:
- Cramps and pain in the abdomen
- An abdominal lump
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and the eyes (jaundice)
- Back-colored, bloody stool
- Purplish-colored, flushed skin, most noticeably in the upper body and the arms
When discussing the causes of these malignancies, patients should know that all cancers form due to genetic mutations and cell DNA changes leading to uncontrolled growth and multiplication. Researchers are still determining what triggers these mutations.
Risk Factors
Some conditions may increase the risk of malignancy. In the case of small intestine tumors, these are:
- Age: The disease is more prevalent among older patients, with the average age of diagnosis being 65.
- Gender: Studies show that these malignancies are slightly more prevalent in men.
- Race: US statistics show that the disease appears more common in black people, except for lymphoma, which is more common in white people.
- Inherited conditions: Some inherited genetic problems like FAP or familial adenomatous polyposis and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome may increase the risk of small intestine cancer.
- A weak immune system or autoimmune disorders: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, radiation therapy, and other immune system-weakening conditions and therapies may also increase small intestine cancer risks.
- Inflammatory conditions: Chronic inflammation in the bowels may increase risks as well.
Diagnosis
These malignancies may be challenging to diagnose because they are rare and because of the various symptoms they may produce. Because of this, patients may undergo extensive testing before medical experts can establish a diagnosis.
Physical Exam: The doctors will perform a physical exam to look for any disease signs and will also take a look at your medical history.
Blood tests: To establish a proper diagnosis, experts may also recommend performing blood chemistry studies and a complete blood count.
Imaging tests: Performing an endoscopy, pill endoscopy, MRI and CT scans, and barium and abdominal X-rays, healthcare providers may be able to locate the problem and establish a diagnosis.
Surgery: If all else fails, doctors may also opt to perform surgical procedures like laparoscopy and laparotomy to help make a precise diagnosis for small intestine cancer.
During diagnosis, doctors will also stage the tumor, giving more information about its location, size, and whether it has spread. Staging is crucial as it will also determine the best route for small intestine cancer treatment.
Small Intestine Cancer Treatment Options
The most optimal course of treatment will mostly depend on the type of cancer the patient has, the malignancy’s stage, location, and the cell’s characteristics inside the tumor. Patient preference will also influence the kind of treatment that will ultimately be administered.
Surgery
This is the most common small intestine cancer treatment, and patients may undergo several different procedures:
- Resection, where the surgeon removes the entire organ or only the affected part. The surgeon may also remove segments of the small intestine and nearby organs if cancer has metastasized. Afterward, they will join the cut ends of the organ together.
- Bypass, where the surgeon will perform a procedure that will allow the food to pass or go around the small intestine because of a tumor that can’t be removed and blocks the intestine.
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses drugs to stop the malignant cells from multiplying or killing them altogether. The drugs may target organ-specific cancer cells or aim to destroy any malignant cells throughout the entire body. The first treatment is called regional chemotherapy, while the latter is referred to as systemic chemotherapy.
Often, doctors will recommend chemotherapy post-surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy
This method uses high-energy X-rays and other radiation solutions to eliminate cancer cells. This may be a recommended small intestine cancer treatment option if the tumor can’t be removed. Often, radiation therapy is used in combination with chemotherapy after surgery to get rid of remaining malignant cells.
Somatostatin Analogs and Targeted Therapy
Somatostatin analogs are compounds that inhibit specific hormone production and may help control the disease or ease any symptoms.
Targeted therapy focuses on the weaknesses in the cancer cells, using specific compounds to exploit these weaknesses and kill the malignant cells in the process.
Immunotherapy
This treatment method aims to boost the immune system to the point where it can fight cancer cells. The immune system naturally tends to fight off germs and abnormal cells. Cancer cells often get past these natural defense lines, and immunotherapy aims to make it easier for the patient’s body to recognize and eliminate these cells.
Expertise and Compassionate Care Go a Long Way
Understanding the nature and treatment of small intestine malignancies can be challenging for patients because the disease is rare, and treatment options can vary based on many factors. Because of this, patient care plans should be created carefully, considering every crucial aspect while also catering to the patient’s needs. This is where Dr. Omar Rashid and his team of experienced professionals come in. They strive to provide professional and compassionate care so patients can have the smoothest treatment journey possible.
Reach out to us if you’d like to learn more.