Small Intestine Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

• Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma cancer begins in the glandular cells in the lining of the small intestine. These cancerous cells can grow and cause blockage in the intestine.

• Carcinoid tumor
Carcinoid tumors (or neuroendocrine tumours) arise from neuroendocrine cells and grow slowly and eventually spread to the liver and other body parts. It often develops in the stomach, small intestine, colon, lungs, or appendix.

• Lymphoma
Lymphatic system is the body's disease-fighting network, consisting of lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, gland, and bone marrow. Lymphoma is a tumour arising from the cells of the immune system.

• Sarcoma
Sarcoma cancer can begin in any part of the body. It often begins in the soft tissue of the small intestine, and can also occur in bones, tissues, muscles, and cartilage. Sarcoma cancer develops in the tissues that connect and surround body parts. This includes blood vessels, muscles, fat, and nerves.

• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors can occur in any part of the digestive system. Most commonly, they are seen in the stomach and small intestine. This tumor starts in the interstitial cells of Cajal which are neuronal cells, in the walls of the digestive system.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Weakness and bloating
• Weight loss 
• Lump in the abdomen
• loss of appetite
• Anaemia (low blood cell count)

Consult the doctor in case of the given signs or symptoms. Early detection can help receive better treatment, prevent its spread, and improve the chance of recovery.

The reason for the growth of small intestine cancer is unknown.

These cells continue to divide in an uncontrolled fashion, which further accumulate and form tumors.

These cancerous cells destroy the surrounding healthy tissue, and (cancer) spreads to other parts of the body.

Even if the cause of small intestine cancer is unknown, the following factors may increase the risk for cancer:

• Age (risk is higher if a patient is above 60)
• Smoking and alcohol
• Gender (men are at higher risk)
• High-fat diet (extreme consumption of red meat)
• Genetics (family history)
• Air pollution (intake of chemicals)

Men are at higher risk of small intestine cancer than women.

The medical diagnosis for small intestine cancer includes thorough medical exams and imaging tests. The doctor can ask about the medical history and current health problems. Before considering the treatment, the doctor can ask a series of the following test:

• Blood tests
The doctor may collect the blood sample to check the amount of certain substances the body is making.

• Physical exam
A physical exam of the body is conducted to check general signs of the disease such as lumps or other unusual.

• Findings

• Imaging tests
Imaging tests such as CT scan are conducted to check the stage of cancer and its spread in the body. These tests help to identify the underlying disease causing the symptoms. For small intestinal cancers, a special type of CT scan, known as CT enterography, is done. Patients with neuroendocrine tumors would be evaluated further with a DOTANOC PET-CT whereas patients with suspected lymphoma would be evaluated further with a FDG PET-CT to evaluate extent of disease.

These tests also help to analyze if cancer has spread to other body parts.

• Endoscopy:
Endoscopy is a procedure of examining organs and tissues inside the body to check for abnormalities. An endoscope is a thin tube with a light and camera at one end. It is inserted through the mouth or the anus to look inside the digestive tract. Sometime a special type of endoscopy called Double-balloon enteroscopy may be needed to establish a diagnosis.

• Laparoscopy/laparotomy:
Laparoscopy is a means of surgery in which the inside of the abdomen is accessed with a scope attached to a camera which enables the surgeon to see the intestine inside the abdomen and at the same time to remove the tumors. The same thing done via a midline incision is called laparotomy

• Surgery
Surgery is one of the common treatments for small intestine cancer. Surgery is used to remove the infected part that contains cancer cells and surrounding tissue to prevent its spread. Laparoscopic surgery aids in faster and better recovery, better cosmesis, lesser pain, wound infections and subsequent hernia.

• Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatment uses chemicals or drugs to stop the growth of cancerous cells by killing the cells and preventing the spread. The drug is injected into the vein that directly enters the bloodstream and reaches the cancer cells in the body.

• Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is relatively less useful in patients with small intestinal cancers. It is occasionally used to treat recurrences that are not amenable to surgery.

• Family history
Gene mutations inherited from the parents, transferred through the bloodline, increase the risk of small intestine cancer.

• Weakened immune system
A weak immune system reduces the body's germ-fighting capability. This may increase the risk of small intestine cancer.

• Smoking and Alcohol
One is at a higher risk of cancer if one smokes or drinks alcohol.

• Healthy diet
Consuming a wide variety of fruits, green vegetables which contain vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants can reduce the risk of cancer.

• Stop smoking

• Drink in moderation
Limit alcohol intake as per age and health problems.

• Exercise
Try to maintain a schedule and exercise often. Exercise for at least 30 minutes to stay active and fit

• Maintain a healthy weight
Maintain weight by consuming a healthy diet and daily exercise. If overweight, ask the doctor about ways to reduce the weight. Monitor intake of calories and carbohydrates.

Small intestine cancer can eventually spread to other body parts and be life-threatening. The outcomes depends on the stage of cancer. For early cancers, excellent long-term outcomes can be achieved. Use of multimodality treatment by a multidisciplinary team can help achieve better survival even in patients with extensive disease.

In case of any of the given symptoms, seek immediate medical help. Early detection and treatment can ensure faster recovery and prevent its spread.