Contents
What Are Small Bowel Tumors? Unraveling the Mystery
Published: Apr 14, 2024
Small bowel tumors are rare, making them difficult to diagnose. Understanding their nature can help in early detection and treatment.
Types of Small Bowel Tumors
Small bowel tumors can be either malignant or benign. Malignant types include adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), lymphomas, and sarcomas. Benign forms consist of adenomas, leiomyomas, and lipomas. NETs are now the most common malignant small bowel tumors.
Epidemiology: The Rarity of Small Bowel Cancer
Despite the small intestine being a large part of the digestive system, small bowel malignancies are rare, accounting for less than 5% of GI tract cancers in the US. The incidence of small bowel cancer is rising, mainly due to increased cases of NETs.
Symptoms: What to Look Out For
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding. These symptoms are often vague, leading to delayed diagnosis when the disease is more advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of small bowel tumors.
No, they account for less than 5% of gastrointestinal tract cancers.
Yes, they can cause symptoms like watery diarrhea and flushing if they reach the systemic circulation.
Yes, villous adenomas can transform into malignant tumors.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the types and symptoms of small bowel tumors is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
References
- Weiss NS, Yang CP. Incidence of histologic types of cancer of the small intestine. J Natl Cancer Inst 1987; 78:653.
- Bilimoria KY, Bentrem DJ, Wayne JD, et al. Small bowel cancer in the United States: changes in epidemiology, treatment, and survival over the last 20 years. Ann Surg 2009; 249:63.
- McLaughlin PD, Maher MM. Primary malignant diseases of the small intestine. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2013; 201:W9.
- Gabos S, Berkel J, Band P, et al. Small bowel cancer in western Canada. Int J Epidemiol 1993; 22:198.
- Hatzaras I, Palesty JA, Abir F, et al. Small-bowel tumors: epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of 1260 cases from the connecticut tumor registry. Arch Surg 2007; 142:229.
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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