Health Conditions Cancer

Small Intestine Cancer

Small Intestine Cancer forms in tissues of the small intestine. The most common type is Adenocarcinoma. Most of these tumors occur in the part of the small intestine near the stomach. They may grow and block the intestine.

Small Intestine Cancer forms in tissues of the small intestine. The most common type is Adenocarcinoma.

Alternate Names: Small Intestine Adenocarcinoma, Small Intestine Sarcoma, Small Intestine Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Small Intestine Carcinoid, Small Intestine Carcinoma

In oncology, small intestine cancer, also small bowel cancer and cancer of the small bowel, is a cancer of the small intestine. It is relatively rare compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies such as gastric cancer (stomach cancer) and colorectal cancer.

Most of these tumors occur in the part of the small intestine near the stomach. They may grow and block the intestine.

Small intestine cancer can be subdivided into duodenal cancer (the first part of the small intestine) and cancer of the jejunum and ileum (the later two parts of the small intestine). Duodenal cancer has more in common with stomach cancer, while cancer of the jejunum and ileum have more in common with colorectal cancer.

The following may be used to diagnose the disease: physical exam and history, laboratory tests, x-rays, barium enema, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), endoscopy, biopsy, CT scan, and/or surgery.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, biologic therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

The overall 5-year survival rate for resectable Adenocarcinoma is only 20%.

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