Small Bowel Cancer

Overview

Small bowel cancer, also known as small intestine cancer, is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the small intestine. The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is a long tube that carries digested food between the stomach and the large intestine. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of small bowel cancer.

Types of Small Bowel Cancer

Small bowel cancer can be classified into two main types:

1. Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer is the most common type of small bowel cancer, accounting for approximately 60% of cases. It starts in the cells that produce mucus and digestive enzymes.
2. Lymphoma: This type of cancer is a type of blood cancer that starts in the immune system. It can occur in the small intestine and can be a type of primary or secondary lymphoma.

Causes of Small Bowel Cancer

The exact causes of small bowel cancer are not well understood, but it is thought to be related to:

1. Genetic factors: Genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing small bowel cancer.
2. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in agriculture, may increase the risk of developing small bowel cancer.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic inflammation of the small intestine can increase the risk of developing small bowel cancer.

Risk Factors of Small Bowel Cancer

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing small bowel cancer:

1. Age: The risk of developing small bowel cancer increases with age.
2. Family history: A family history of small bowel cancer can increase the risk of developing the condition.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease: Having a history of inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of developing small bowel cancer.
4. Genetic syndromes: Certain genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can increase the risk of developing small bowel cancer.

Symptoms of Small Bowel Cancer

Preventions of Small Bowel Cancer

While there is no surefire way to prevent small bowel cancer, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk:

1. Healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of developing small bowel cancer.
2. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing small bowel cancer.
3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing small bowel cancer.

Diagnosis of Small Bowel Cancer

Diagnosing small bowel cancer typically involves a combination of:

1. Medical history: A thorough medical history is taken to identify potential causes of the condition.
2. Physical examination: A physical examination is performed to assess for signs of abdominal distension or tenderness.
3. Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans are used to visualize the tumor and assess for metastasis.

Treatment for Small Bowel Cancer

Treatment for small bowel cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor:

1. Surgery: Surgery is usually recommended for all stages of small bowel cancer.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
3. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy may be used to kill specific types of cancer cells.
4. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you are experiencing symptoms related to small bowel cancer, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider.