Key points about small intestine cancer
- Rare cancer affecting the digestive tract between the stomach and colon
- Includes different types like adenocarcinoma, carcinoid tumor and lymphoma
- May cause vague symptoms like pain, weight loss or bleeding
- Often diagnosed later due to subtle early signs
- Treatment usually involves surgery and sometimes chemo or targeted therapies
Common related conditions
Small intestine cancer causes
Small intestine cancer develops when cells in the intestinal lining begin to grow uncontrollably.
- DNA mutations in intestinal cells
- Chronic inflammation from conditions like Crohn’s disease
- Inherited genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome or FAP
- Possible links to a high-fat, low-fiber diet
- Exposure to carcinogens or certain toxins
Small Intestine Cancer risk factors
Your risk of developing small intestine cancer may be higher if you have certain medical or lifestyle factors.
- Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- Family history of intestinal or colon cancer
- Inherited syndromes (like FAP or Lynch syndrome)
- Age over 60
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
- Diets low in fiber and high in red or processed meat
Small intestine cancer symptoms
Early symptoms may be subtle, so it’s important to pay attention to persistent digestive changes.
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Bloating, gas or a feeling of fullness
- Weight loss with no clear cause
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Bloody stools or signs of internal bleeding
- Fatigue from low red blood cell count
Small Intestine Cancer Diagnosis
A combination of imaging and endoscopic tests is usually needed to make a diagnosis.
- CT scan or MRI to identify tumors
- Capsule endoscopy to look inside the small bowel
- Upper endoscopy or enteroscopy
- Biopsy to confirm cancer cells
- Blood tests for anemia and possible tumor markers
Small intestine cancer treatment
Treatment varies based on cancer type, location and stage.
- Surgical removal of the tumor and nearby tissue
- Chemotherapy for advanced or aggressive cancers
- Targeted therapy depending on tumor type
- Radiation therapy, used in specific cases
- Supportive care to ease symptoms and maintain quality of life
When to seek care
If you’re experiencing unusual digestive symptoms that don’t improve, see your doctor, especially if you have known risk factors.
- Ongoing abdominal pain or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Blood in stool or dark, tarry bowel movements
- Fatigue or weakness without clear reason
- History of Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or genetic syndromes