Signs and Symptoms of Small Intestine Cancer

Small intestine cancer, otherwise known as small bowel cancer, occurs in the small intestine, which is located between the stomach and the large intestine, or colon. It is considered to be a rare cancer, and is diagnosed in only 7,000 people in the US per year. There are several different types of cancers which involve the small intestine.

The most common cancer of the small intestine in the western world are adenocarcinomas, and the most common type of small intestine cancer in the developing world are lymphomas. Other types of small intestine cancer are sarcomas, carcinoid tumors and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer below:

The Signs and Symptoms of Small Intestine Cancer are as follows:

The signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer are often vague and non-specific, and may be attributed to other disorders. Signs and symptoms can include:

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Upper abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Advanced symptoms may include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Black stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Jaundice
• Severe nausea and vomiting due to an intestinal blockage in the small bowel
• Sweating
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heart rate confusion
• Changes in consciousness

If any of the above signs and symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately.

The causes of small intestine cancer are unknown. However, the risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, a history of celiac disease, a history of Crohn’s disease, certain inherited conditions, smoking, and increasing age.

Diagnosis of Small Intestine Cancer

A diagnosis of small intestine cancer is made first through a barium contrast study of the small intestine. Other tests that may be used include an abdominal CT scan, and a colonoscopy to view the lower areas of the small bowel.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Small Intestine Cancer

Small Intestine Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about small intestine cancer treatment, clinical trials, research, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/smallintestine

• Better Medicine

Small Intestine Cancer Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support.

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/small-intestine-cancer

• UPMC Cancer Centers

General Information About Small Intestine Cancer.

http://www.upmccancercenters.com/pdq_xml/cancer.cfm?ID=123

• American Cancer Society

Resources and information on small intestine cancer by the American Cancer Soceity.

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/SmallIntestineCancer/DetailedGuide/small-intestine-cancer-what-is-small-intestine-cancer

• Diagnose Me . com

Complete information about Small Intestine Cancer, including incidence; contributing risk factors; signs and symptoms; diagnosis and tests; treatment and prevention.

http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C435499.html

• Rare Cancer Support Forum

Rare Cancer Support Forum. Patients & Caregivers share support; treatment, physician, & facility information; and personal experiences.

http://www.rare-cancer.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=116

Medical Resources

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/intestinalcancer.html

• Web MD

Information on cancer of the small intestine by Web MD.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cancer-of-the-small-intestine?page=2