Overview
Small bowel cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the small intestine, which is a long tube responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from food. The small intestine also plays a role in the body's immune system and produces hormones that aid in digestion. Small bowel cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, and other treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy may also be used. Symptoms of small bowel cancer may include abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, blood in the stool, watery diarrhea, and skin flushing. The exact cause of small bowel cancer is unknown, but it's believed to be related to DNA changes in cells. Certain genetic conditions and other bowel diseases may increase the risk of developing small bowel cancer.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of small bowel cancer include abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), feeling very weak or tired, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, and watery diarrhea.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing small bowel cancer include:
- DNA changes that run in families: Some inherited DNA mutations, such as Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, can increase the risk of small bowel cancer and other cancers.
- Other bowel diseases: Certain conditions that affect the intestines, such as Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease, may increase the risk of small bowel cancer.
- Older age: The risk of small bowel cancer increases with age.
- A personal history of cancer: People who have had other types of cancer, particularly colorectal or ovarian cancer, may have an increased risk of developing small bowel cancer.
- A family history of small bowel cancer: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with small bowel cancer may also increase the risk. It's important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will develop small bowel cancer, and some individuals without any known risk factors may still develop the disease.
Development
Small bowel cancer develops when cells in the small intestine undergo changes in their DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors. The various types of small bowel cancer are classified based on the type of cell where the cancer originates. For example, adenocarcinoma starts in gland cells that produce mucus, while neuroendocrine tumors start in neuroendocrine cells that perform both nerve and hormone functions. Lymphoma, on the other hand, originates in immune system cells that fight germs in the small intestine.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you experience any symptoms of small bowel cancer, such as abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), feeling very weak or tired, nausea, vomiting, losing weight without trying, blood in the stool, watery diarrhea, or skin flushing, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation. These symptoms may indicate the presence of small bowel cancer or other digestive issues that require medical attention. It is essential to seek medical advice promptly for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnosis
To diagnose small bowel cancer, a combination of tests and procedures may be necessary due to its difficulty in detection. These may include blood tests to detect signs of low red blood cell count or abnormalities in organ function, imaging tests such as MRI, CT, or PET scans to locate and assess the cancer, and sometimes a biopsy to gather tissue samples for further analysis.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of small bowel cancer may include an increased risk of other cancers, such as those affecting the colon, rectum, ovaries, and the lining of the uterus. Other complications may include abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), feeling very weak or tired, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear red or black), watery diarrhea, and skin flushing.
Home Remedies
regarding home remedies for small bowel cancer. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition.
Treatment
Small bowel cancer treatment typically involves surgery to remove the cancer, followed by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy. Surgery is the primary treatment for small bowel cancer, and other treatments may be used to manage the disease.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for small bowel cancer, you can follow these steps:
- Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, if you have signs and symptoms that concern you.
- At the time of making the appointment, inquire about any pre-appointment restrictions or instructions, such as fasting before specific tests.
- Write down a list of your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
- Note any key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes, and family medical history.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you take, including doses.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your healthcare team, such as the cause of your symptoms, recommended tests, and the best course of action.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend to support you and help remember information provided during the appointment.
- Seek emotional support from a good listener, such as a friend, family member, counselor, medical social worker, clergy member, or cancer support group.
- Inquire about local support groups or contact organizations such as the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society for additional resources.