SMALL INTESTINE TUMOR

General Information

DEFINITION--Abnormal new growth in the small intestine or spread of abnormal cell growth from surrounding body structure. Most are benign; only 10% of small-intestine tumors are cancerous. Small intestine tumors are uncommon compared to large intestine tumors.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Small intestine.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most likely in adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• No symptoms (50% of the time with benign tumors)).
• Tiredness.
• Paleness.
• Blood in stools or black, tarry stools.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).

CAUSES--Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Celiac disease.
• Regional enteritis.
• Gardner syndrome.
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
• Immunosuppression due to illness or drugs.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies for anemia.
• X-rays of the intestinal tract (upper and lower GI series).
• Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan; endoscopy and enteroscopy (See Glossary for all). Tests are done to determine any cancerous growth and spread.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove the tumor if it is benign and causing symptoms and for malignant tumors.
• Radiation treatment (sometimes).
• Self-care after surgery or during treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Intestinal obstruction. Symptoms are: distended abdomen; severe colicky pain; nausea, vomiting; fever.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--With surgery the prognosis for benign tumors is good; with malignant tumors, the prognosis depends on the type of malignancy found and if it can be completely removed with surgery.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Anticancer drugs.
• Cortisone drugs to reduce bowel inflammation that may cause obstruction.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions. Resume normal activities as soon as possible after surgery.

DIET--Your doctor may prescribe a special diet following surgery or during treatment with radiation or anticancer drugs.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of a tumor of the small intestine.
• You have symptoms of intestinal obstruction (see Possible Complications).
• New, unexplained symptoms develop during treatment. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.