It is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the small intestine. It is less commonly diagnosed than other types of cancer that usually occur in the stomach or intestines. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and blood in the stool. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, Crohn's disease, and diet. Diagnosis is usually made by endoscopic examination and biopsy. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early diagnosis significantly increases the success of the treatment process.
Small Intestine Cancer Symptoms
Small bowel cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the small intestine, which is an important part of the digestive system. The symptoms of this cancer may not usually be obvious in the early stages. Therefore, there are signs to watch out for.
The most common symptoms of small bowel cancer include abdominal pain and discomfort. This pain usually worsens after eating and can be accompanied by a feeling of bloating. Loss of appetite and weight loss are also important symptoms. If weight loss occurs despite a person eating, it may be a more serious problem.
Digestive problems are also symptoms of small bowel cancer. These problems may include changes such as diarrhea or constipation, a change in stool color, and bloody stools. If there is blood in the stool, this is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention.
Another important symptom is anemia. It can be seen due to malnutrition and blood loss. The person may experience symptoms of anemia such as constant fatigue, weakness and paleness. In addition, some patients may also experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). This condition is related to the liver being affected.
In the advanced stages, symptoms such as a feeling of mass in the abdomen or swelling of the abdomen also occur. These symptoms require consulting a health professional for early diagnosis. Symptoms can also be associated with different diseases. Therefore, it is important to be careful and seek medical help when necessary.
Small Colon Cancer Risk Factors
Small bowel cancer can develop due to a variety of risk factors, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Family history may increase the risk of small bowel cancer. In particular, genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome play an important role in its development. Individuals with a family history of polyposis or other bowel cancers are at higher risk.
2. Age: It is usually more common in individuals aged 60 and over. As age progresses, the risk of cancer increases due to the accumulation of cellular changes and mutations.
3. Gender: The risk of small bowel cancer is generally higher in men than in women. This difference may be related to men's bowel health habits and genetic factors.
4. Immune System Disorders: Individuals with a weak immune system, such as those who have had an organ transplant, are more at risk of cancer. A weakened immune system can encourage the growth of cancer cells.
5. Eating HabitsHigh-fat, low-fiber diets may increase the risk of small bowel cancer. High consumption of processed foods and red meat is associated with the development of cancer.
6. Smoking and Alcohol UseSmoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are associated with many types of cancer, can also increase the risk.
7. Diseases: Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases have a high risk of developing.
Knowing these risk factors is important for early diagnosis and preventive measures. Healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups can reduce the risk of small bowel cancer.
Diagnosis of Small Intestine Cancer
Diagnosis is made through various medical tests and imaging methods based on the patient's complaints and symptoms. This process is extremely important for making an accurate and early diagnosis.
The diagnosis process usually begins with the patient's symptoms. Abdominal pain, weight and appetite loss, and blood in the stool may cause the doctor to think that small bowel cancer is a possibility. In the first stage, the doctor takes the patient's medical history and performs a physical examination. During this examination, the abdomen is checked for a mass or abnormal growth.
Imaging tests are used to evaluate the presence and spread of cancer. These tests include X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT scanning, in particular, is a frequently preferred method for diagnosing small bowel cancer. The reason is that it provides detailed imaging of the entire abdominal area.
If imaging tests show signs of cancer, a biopsy is needed to make a definitive diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample from the small intestine. This sample is sent to a laboratory for pathological examination to look for the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy is usually performed by endoscopy. This method is used to directly view the inside of the small intestine and take the necessary samples.
After a diagnosis is made, additional tests may be done to stage the disease. This is a critical step in creating a treatment plan and helps determine how far the cancer has spread. Early diagnosis can increase the success of treatment, so symptoms should not be ignored.
Small Intestine Cancer Treatment Methods
Treatment for small bowel cancer varies depending on the type and stage of cancer and the patient's general health. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy.
The most common treatment for small bowel cancer is surgery. If cancer is detected at an early stage, surgical removal of the tumorous area is usually sufficient. This procedure is called resection of the tumor. Sometimes, a blockage can occur due to a cancerous mass in the small intestine. In this case, the blockage is opened with surgical intervention and the tumor is also removed if necessary.
Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy uses drugs to target cancer cells and stop them from growing.
Chemotherapy is usually planned according to the stage of the disease and the patient's condition. In some patients, chemotherapy may also be used to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cells or to prevent cancer from spreading. However, radiotherapy is a less common treatment for small bowel cancer than for other types of cancer.
Targeted therapy involves drugs that work by targeting specific features of cancer cells. This type of treatment is determined by examining the patient's molecular profile. It usually has fewer side effects.
The treatment plan is created by a multidisciplinary team. It is customized according to the patient's needs. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods play an important role in the management of small bowel cancer.
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