If you or a loved one has received a small intestine cancer diagnosis, we know that you may have questions and concerns. Small intestine cancer is incredibly rare — less than 1% of all people diagnosed with cancer this year will be diagnosed with it. Therefore, it’s important to entrust your care to a team of experts who will create a customized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
The OSUCCC – James is a national leader in gastrointestinal cancer care, including small intestine cancer, with a team of experts who specialize in the research, diagnosis, treatment and care for these rare cancers.
What is small intestine cancer?
Small intestine cancer is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer. It begins with the growth of abnormal cells (a tumor) in your small intestine, which cause the organ to function differently or stop functioning altogether.
The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is a digestive organ responsible for the end stages of food absorption and digestion. There are three main areas of the small intestine: the duodenum, the jejunum and ileum. Within the small intestine, nutrients in food are absorbed while the rest of the food is broken down into liquid. This waste is then passed to the large intestine where it continues through the digestive system.
Small intestine cancer can have significant effects on your digestive system and the surrounding organs. Because it’s rare and symptoms often don’t show until more advanced stages, small intestine cancer is difficult to diagnose.
Types of small intestine cancer
There are four main types of small intestine cancer. Most small intestine cancers originate in the duodenum, which is the upper area of the small intestine closest to the stomach (where the stomach empties into).
Because the small intestine is made up of several different types of cells, there are different types of cancer that can form as a result.
Adenocarcinoma
This type of small intestine cancer typically begins in the gland cells that line the inside of the small intestine. Adenocarcinomas represent approximately one in three small intestine cancers.
Lymphoma
Lymphomas are a type of cancer that can be found in several different areas of the body and begins in immune cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are also found in the small intestine.
Carcinoid tumors
A carcinoid tumor is a slow-growing form of cancer that is a type of neuroendocrine tumor. These are the most common types of small intestine cancer and can be classified as grade I (low grade), grade II (intermediate grade) or grade III (high grade) depending on how fast they multiply and if they’ve spread to other parts of the body.
Sarcoma
Sarcomas are known to begin in connective tissue, such as muscles, when cells grow out of control. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common sarcomas found in the small intestine.
Small intestine cancer symptoms
Small intestine cancer shares many similar symptoms with other gastrointestinal conditions, and therefore is often diagnosed later, so knowing the symptoms is important.
One of the most common and early symptoms of small intestine cancer is stomach or abdominal pain. You may notice that pain comes and goes but can intensify after you eat, which can be an indication that your digestive system is not functioning properly.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should speak with your doctor:
- Pain in the stomach (abdomen)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unexpected or unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Blood in your stools or dark stools
It’s important to note that if you have these symptoms, you may not have small intestine cancer. These symptoms are common in other conditions and may have different underlying causes. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor.
Importance of early detection
Small intestine cancer is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer and is often in an advanced stage before it’s diagnosed.
Because of their rarity, most forms of small intestine cancer aren’t usually screened for if you don’t show symptoms. There are also no screening tests for people who don’t have symptoms, and regular screening is not recommended.
If you’re at a higher risk of small intestine cancer, your doctor may recommend screening annually.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for small intestine cancer care?
Experts at the OSUCCC – James specialize in treating rare cancers like small intestine cancer. As one of the largest cancer hospitals in the United States, our gastrointestinal cancer program is top-ranked year over year. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach to create customized treatment plans for everyone diagnosed with small intestine cancer.
Comprehensive care at The James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center
The OSUCCC – James is home to the region’s only center dedicated to diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal cancers including small intestine cancer. This center is staffed by experts who understand these diseases and work together collaboratively to help ensure the best possible outcomes. The center offers a variety of services, from exams, diagnostic imaging, infusion services and more.
Groundbreaking clinical trials for small intestine cancer
At any given time, the OSUCCC – James oversees more than 500 clinical trials for several different cancers, including small intestine cancer. We’re a National Cancer Institute-designated facility and we conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials for emerging anticancer drugs. This means that we can potentially provide treatments with medications to you sooner in the research process that aren’t available anywhere else.
If you have received a small intestine cancer diagnosis or would like a second opinion, we’re here to help. Call The James Line at 800-293-5066 (toll free) or 614-293-5066 (Ohio) 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Small Intestine Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Small Intestine Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Small Intestine Cancer Treatment