When we talk about cancer, we mostly hear about breast, lung, or colon cancer. But did you know that cancer can also occur in our small intestine? Although this is a rare condition, it is very important to be aware of it. Because having knowledge about any disease is a great help in protecting yourself from it and recognizing it in time. So today, let's talk about small intestine cancer in a simple way.
What exactly is small bowel cancer?
Simply put, small intestine cancer is when the cells in our small intestine change and start to grow uncontrollably. These uncontrollably dividing cells can grow together to form a lump, or what we call a tumor .
You know, our small intestine is the most important part that connects the stomach and the large intestine. It is the main job of digesting the food we eat and absorbing the fats, vitamins, and all the other nutrients that the body needs. So if this type of cancer develops, the small intestine may be blocked by the tumor that develops.
What are the main types of this cancer?
There are several types of small bowel cancer. Not all of them are the same. Let's look at the main types. Although these names may seem a little complicated, it's important to keep them simple.
| Cancer type name | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Adenocarcinomas | This is the most common type. It starts in the lining of the small intestine. It starts as a small, noncancerous growth (polyp) and can eventually become cancerous. |
| Sarcoma | These cancer cells develop in the soft tissues of the small intestine. |
| Carcinoid tumors | These are a type of cancer that grows very quickly. They often start in the lower part of the small intestine. These tumors can cause the body to produce more chemicals like serotonin. |
| Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) | This is also a rare type of cancer. More than half of these start in the stomach. Not all GIST tumors become cancerous. |
| Intestinal lymphomas | Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymph nodes. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing this type of cancer. |
What are the causes and risk factors for this condition?
Doctors cannot say for sure what causes this cancer. However, they have identified several factors that increase the risk of developing this disease.
- Age: The risk increases with age. The average age of diagnosis is around 60 years.
- Gender: Men are at slightly higher risk than women.
- Genetic causes: Some inherited genetic conditions may increase the risk.
- Smoking and alcohol: Both of these habits increase the risk of cancer.
- Diet: People who frequently eat high-fat meals are at higher risk.
- Chemicals: Living or working in an environment with high levels of certain chemicals, such as phenoxyacetic acid.
- Other medical conditions: Your risk is higher if you have other intestinal conditions, such as Crohn's disease, colon cancer, or celiac disease.
- Lymphatic system problems: Damage to the lymph vessels (Lymphedema) can also increase the risk.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
The important thing is that just because you have these symptoms, you shouldn't be afraid that it's definitely cancer. These symptoms can also be caused by other simple reasons. However, if something like this persists, it's wise to see your doctor as soon as possible and get it checked out.
- Pain or cramping in the middle of the stomach.
- Weight loss without any obvious reason.
- A lump or swelling in the abdomen that can be felt with the hand .
- Blood in the stool . This blood may appear dark black or dark red.
How do you know for sure if this is cancer?
When you go to the doctor, he will examine you carefully, ask about your medical history and current problems, and then recommend several tests to confirm the diagnosis.
| Name of the test | A brief explanation |
|---|---|
| Imaging tests | Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs take pictures of the small intestine to see if there is a tumor and whether it has spread. |
| Endoscopy | A thin tube with a camera attached is inserted through your mouth and the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and first part of your small intestine are examined. You will be given medicine to make you sleepy, so you will not feel any pain during this procedure. |
| Blood tests | These tests measure the levels of certain substances produced in the body. These include liver function tests. |
| Fecal occult blood test | This can detect whether there is hidden blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye. |
| Biopsy | A very small piece of tissue is taken from a tumor or lymph node and examined under a microscope to confirm whether there are cancer cells. |
| Laparotomy | This is a major operation. They cut through the abdominal wall and examine the inside to find out information about the disease. |
What are you doing as treatment?
The treatment your doctor recommends depends on several factors, such as the type of cancer you have and how far it has spread (stage).
The main and most common treatment is surgery . The surgeon may remove the part of the small intestine that contains the cancer. Sometimes, if the tumor cannot be completely removed, a bypass surgery may be performed to bypass the tumor and allow food to pass through.
Even after surgery, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. You may also be given chemotherapy . These can be taken as pills or given through a vein (IV). These medications kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
There are currently clinical trials underway for new treatments for this disease. If you are interested, you can talk to your doctor about whether you can participate in such a trial.
Take-Home Message
- Small bowel cancer is a rare but serious condition, so it's important to be aware of it.
- If you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, or blood in your stool, don't ignore them. See a doctor immediately.
- Things like a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and drinking alcohol help with overall health and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Treatment options (surgery, chemo, radiation) vary from patient to patient. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on.
- As with any disease, early detection is a great way to ensure successful treatment. So be aware of any changes in your body.
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