Small intestine cancer

Small intestine cancer is a malignant neoplasm that develops in one of its sections:

• duodenum - departs from the stomach and bypasses the pancreas;
• jejunum - is the main section that has the greatest length;
• ileum - connects to the cecum (upper part of the large intestine).

In an adult, the length of the small intestine is from 4.5 to 6 meters. At the same time, due to anatomical and functional features, malignant tumors develop in it extremely rarely - 3-4% of all oncological pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

With early diagnosis, small intestine cancer is successfully treated in more than 90% of cases. At stages 2 and 3, five-year survival is 70 and 55%, respectively.

At Oxford Medical, treatment of malignant diseases is carried out by oncologists and oncological surgeons of the highest category with many years of experience. For each patient, they develop an individual therapy program, guided by state and international protocols. The clinic has installed new diagnostic and surgical equipment, and all conditions have been created for chemotherapy and other types of treatment. Thanks to this, each patient receives medical care at the highest level.

To select therapy, it is important to find out both the stage and the type of malignant neoplasm.

Depending on the localization, they are distinguished:

1. Exophytic cancer - a tumor located in the lumen of the intestine. It looks like a polyp, plaque or fungus on a thin leg. If it increases in size, it can cause blockage.
2. Endophytic cancer - a tumor develops in the intestinal wall. It has no visible contours, which makes removal difficult, and can lead to rupture of the wall.

Also, according to the results of histological analysis (cell type), they are distinguished:

1. Adenocarcinoma - develops from glandular tissue cells.
2. Sarcoma consists of immature cells of muscle, adipose, connective or vascular tissue.
3. Lymphoma - develops from components of lymphoid tissue.
4. Carcinoma - consists of altered epithelial cells.
5. Melanoma – develops from cells that contain the pigment melanin (rare among tumors of the gastrointestinal tract);
6. Schwannoma – consists of nerve fiber cells.

To diagnose the disease, laboratory and instrumental studies are performed.

After conducting an examination, studying complaints and anamnesis, the doctor may prescribe:

• general blood and urine tests;
• blood biochemistry;
• blood test for tumor markers;
• stool analysis for occult blood;
• endoscopic examination of the intestine;
• X-ray of the intestine with the use of a contrast agent;
• biopsy - tissue sample collection (performed during endoscopy);
• histological analysis;
• immunohistochemical analysis;
• ultrasound, CT, MRI and other examinations according to indications.

The most accurate diagnostic method is endoscopic examination. It involves the introduction of an endoscope into the small intestine - a small elastic tube equipped with a video camera. As it moves through the gastrointestinal tract, it transmits the image to the monitor screen, where it is magnified many times. This allows the doctor to carefully examine the mucous membrane and detect any changes and neoplasms. In the latter case, a biopsy is performed immediately - a small piece of tissue is removed for histological analysis. This is used to determine the type of cells and the malignancy of the tumor.

Other studies are prescribed to determine the stage of the cancer, the presence of distant metastases, and to assess the patient's general health.

Oxford Medical employs oncologists and oncological surgeons of the highest category with many years of experience. Many are rightfully considered the best in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine. Thanks to this, as well as the availability of expert-class equipment in the clinic, we provide each patient with medical care that meets the highest quality standards.

The clinic operates a modern surgical hospital with 2 operating rooms, an intensive care unit and an intensive care unit. This allows us to perform operations of any complexity.

Surgical treatment is key for small intestine cancer. If the tumor is detected at stage 0-2, surgery is usually performed first. Surgeons remove the tumor or part of the intestine, after which the ends are sewn together. For large tumors, the volume of manipulations increases accordingly.

After surgery, based on the results of tests and other diagnostics, the doctor may prescribe chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other treatment to eliminate the remaining malignant cells, prevent relapse or treat metastases.

When diagnosing cancer at stage 3-4, sometimes chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also prescribed before surgery to achieve tumor reduction and radical removal.

Radiation therapy has a local effect. It affects the cells of the neoplasm, slowing their growth and causing tissue destruction.

Chemotherapy has a systemic effect. It affects the entire body, which contributes to the destruction of malignant cells, regardless of their localization. Treatment is carried out with drugs of 2 groups: cytostatic and cytotoxic. The first slow down the processes of cell division, which inhibits the development of cancer, and the second contribute to their destruction. But due to the systemic effect, chemotherapy affects healthy organs, which leads to the development of side effects.

Chemoradiation therapy, targeted and immune therapy are also used for small intestine cancer.

A treatment program is drawn up individually for each patient after a thorough diagnosis.

Oxford Medical has created all the conditions for accurate diagnostics and effective treatment. We employ oncologists and oncological surgeons with many years of experience who are familiar with all modern methods of cancer treatment, including targeted and immunotherapy.

To schedule a consultation, call our contact center or write to the chat on the website.

Small intestine cancer is the rarest of all oncological pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. This is due to anatomical and functional features. In the small intestine, feces have a liquid consistency and are not delayed, which reduces the duration of exposure to carcinogenic substances on its walls. In addition, they are lined with a dense layer of lymphoid tissue, which provides a protective effect.

The disease occurs mainly in patients over 60 years of age. It is diagnosed in men twice as often as in women.

Risk factors are:

• intestinal polyps;
• ulcerative colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• hereditary predisposition;
• diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• unbalanced diet.

To reduce the risk of pathology, it is recommended to:

• eat a healthy diet (eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains, reducing the amount of semi-finished products and fatty dishes from red meat);
• maintain a normal weight;
• give up smoking and alcohol;
• engage in physical activity;
• treat all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in a timely manner;

After 40 years of age, both men and women are recommended to undergo an examination by a proctologist every year. In the event of the development of pathology, this will allow it to be diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.