Duodenal cancer (small intestine)

Description

Duodenal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the portion of small intestine close to the stomach-in duodendum. This cancer is relatively rare in comparison to stomach and colon cancer. Unfortunatelly, when the first symptoms appear, the patients usaully already have cancer in an advanced stage, so the chances of recovery are less than in many other tumors of digestive tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms include tiredness, loss of weight, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and bloody stool.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being performed. Diagnosis is usually set with imaging methods, such as CT scan of upper digestive tract or endoscopy. A tissue biopsy confirms the diagnosis.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analyses, hepatogram, CT scan, endoscopy, lipase and analysis of urine.

Specialists

Oncology, Hematology, Gastroenterology, General Surgery,Oncologic Surgery, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment depends on the size and position of the carcinoma. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is being used.