Small Intestine Cancer
With 5 major types of small intestine cancers, doctors believe they each begin from noncancerous growths that turn malignant.
This rare cancer forms in the tissues of the small intestine, the section of our digestive system between our stomach and our colon. The longest part of our gastrointestinal tract, the small intestine is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
The most common type of small intestine cancer is adenocarcinoma, which causes the cells that make mucus to grow abnormally. Sarcomas, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumor and lymphomas are 4 other common types of intestinal cancers.
You are at a slightly higher risk for small intestine cancer if you have Celiac or Crohns disease, or have had colon cancer. A diet high in fiber may help reduce your risk.
Visit your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or unexplained changes in your weight.
Recently Answered
- Q Can eating whole grains reduce my risk for cancer of the small intestine?
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A recent study revealed that whole grains—kasha, quinoa, millet, and spelt are all fine examples—may have yet another health benefit. They may help reduce your risk of cancer of the small intestine.Although it's less common to get cancer... Full Answer
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- Q Can saturated fat increase my risk of cancer of the small intestine?
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Cheeseburgers and ice cream. We love to eat 'em, even though they clog our arteries and pad our bellies. But here's one more good reason to cut back: Cancer of the small intestine. A large long-term study showed that high intakes of saturated fat... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring someone with small intestine cancer?
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As a caregiver, you can help your loved one with small intestine cancer through the trial of treating this disease. You can ensure that the treatment plan is followed by accompanying your loved one to doctor appointments and procedures, such as surgery.... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for small intestine cancer?
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Your treatment options for small intestine cancer depend on how far advanced your cancer is. The best way to treat this cancer is to remove the tumor surgically, which will also cut away some of the unaffected tissue around it. If it is not possible to... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for small intestine cancer?
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An alternative treatment is any treatment that is not currently part of established medicine as practiced by licensed doctors. Although there are many alternative treatments available for cancer, be aware that licensed doctors do not usually prescribe or... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat small intestine cancer?
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Medications are not a first-choice treatment for small intestine cancer. Chemotherapy drugs may be used in less common small intestine cancers, such as leiomyosarcoma, to treat symptoms and ease suffering; these medications, however, have their own side... Full Answer
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- Q Can small intestine cancer be prevented?
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There is no sure way to prevent small intestine cancer, because the most serious risk factors, such as Crohn's disease, are not within your control. However, eating a healthful low-fat, high-fiber diet may reduce your risk of small intestine cancer.... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my small intestine cancer symptoms?
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You should talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent abdominal pain or lumps, blood in your stool, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, which can be symptoms of small intestine cancer. These symptoms may result from a number of... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for small intestine cancer?
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Small intestine cancer has several risk factors (situations or behavior that increase your risk of getting a disease). Older men (60 years old on average) develop small intestine cancer at a higher rate than women and younger people. Several genetic... Full Answer
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- Q How does small intestine cancer affect the body?
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As all cancers can, small intestine cancer can spread to other parts of your body through surrounding tissue, blood vessels, or the lymph system, a network of pathways designed to carry disease-fighting cells around your body. This process is called... Full Answer
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