The small intestine is an important part of our body which helps in breaking down the food and absorbing its nutrients. It is made up of 3 parts namely duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The cancer of small intestine is known as small bowel cancer or cancer of small bowel. If there is a regular intake of high fat food or smoked foods might increase the chances of cancer. The cancer starts in the small intestine when there is uncontrollable grow of cells in the intestine.

There are four types of small intestine cancer found namely adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, lymphoma and carcinoid tumor. Adenocarcinoma type is that type of cancer which starts from as a benign growth which can later turns out into cancer. Carcinoid tumor is a slow growing tumor that develops in cells which is responsible for making hormones in the intestine. Lymphoma is another kind of tumor of lymphocytes, a type of cell which forms an important part of immune system. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a type of small intestine cancer of digestive system and are mostly benign but if not treated can become cancerous.

The cancer of small intestine is generally diagnosed by carrying out certain tests. Endoscopy is carried out by the doctor in order to see duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Capsule endoscopy is done in which the patient need to swallow capsule which will take a look at digestive tract. A barium x-ray is also performed to get a closer look of small bowel. A barium fluid is given to the patient and that is why the patient is asked not to eat or drink anything on that day.

This cancer needs to be surgically treated at first. Chemotherapy can be one of the treatments of cancer which is done by use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy is another method for treating cancer by using high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Surgery is the most important treatment for removing cancer cells and then joining the intestine back again. Sometimes, when the tumor cannot be completely removed, it is surgically bypassed in order to relieve the symptoms.

Summary: If someone is having a family history of crohn’s disease, polyp syndromes, celiac disease, should regularly go for screening. If the person gets diagnosed with such cancer, the doctor will pay full attention and will try to resolve any query the patient has so that the patient doesn’t lose hope because this disease can be treated.

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