Intestinal cancer, also known as small intestine cancer or small bowel cancer, is very rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. Stretched out, the small intestine is about 21 feet long and comprises a large part of the digestive system. Still, it accounts for only 10 percent of all gastrointestinal cancers.
Tumors in the small intestine may block the flow of food and affect digestion. As the tumor gets bigger, the blockages may cause pain in the abdomen. A slowly bleeding tumor may lead to anemia. Digested blood may cause the stool to become black or tarry. An obstruction—when the flow of food is completely blocked—may cause intense pain, nausea and vomiting and typically requires immediate surgery.
Early diagnosis and specialized treatment are crucial for managing intestinal cancer effectively. If you are experiencing persistent digestive discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or blood in your stool, consult gastrointestinal and intestinal cancer specialist Dr. Ujwal Zambare in Wakad, Pune for best effective result.
Which treatment your doctor recommends will depend on a number of things, like what type of cancer it is and whether it has spread. Surgery is the most common treatment. Your surgeon may remove the part of the small intestine that contains cancer. Or they may do “bypass” surgery so that food can go around a tumor that can’t be removed. Even if your doctor takes out all of the cancer during surgery, they may still suggest radiation therapy. This uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. They might also offer chemotherapy (chemo). These are drugs you take by mouth or through an IV tube. They, too, kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. A number of new therapies are being tested, as well. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in taking part in one of these clinical trials before, during, or after your treatment.
If you experience persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, digestive issues, or blood in your stool, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is key to effective treatment and better outcomes. For expert diagnosis and treatment, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare at True Life Clinic & Wellness Center. Get personalized care for intestinal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
