Could Your Stomach Pain Be a Sign of Small Bowel Cancer?
Published: Jun 08, 2024
Abdominal pain is the most prevalent symptom of small bowel tumors. Understanding these symptoms aids in early diagnosis.
Contents
Common Symptoms
Abdominal pain is the most frequent symptom, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. These symptoms are typically vague and can lead to delayed diagnosis.
Advanced Symptoms
As the disease progresses, patients may experience gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. These severe symptoms often indicate advanced disease stages.

Differences Between Benign and Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors tend to cause more pronounced symptoms than benign ones. Patients with malignant tumors are more likely to report weight loss and abdominal pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of small bowel tumors.
Benign tumors often cause fewer symptoms than malignant ones.
Yes, symptoms can be vague and similar to other gastrointestinal conditions.
Severe symptoms like bleeding and obstruction often suggest advanced disease.
The Bottom Line
Awareness of symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for small bowel cancer patients.
References
- Ciresi DL, Scholten DJ. The continuing clinical dilemma of primary tumors of the small intestine. Am Surg 1995; 61:698.
- Minardi AJ Jr, Zibari GB, Aultman DF, et al. Small-bowel tumors. J Am Coll Surg 1998; 186:664.
- Ojha A, Zacherl J, Scheuba C, et al. Primary small bowel malignancies: single-center results of three decades. J Clin Gastroenterol 2000; 30:289.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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