Know More About Small Intestine Cancer
The small intestine, also known as the small bowel, is responsible for the absorption and digestion of food. All the fats, carbohydrates, and other substances are converted into simpler forms. The small intestine connects the stomach to the large intestine. The small intestine cancer develops in the Cells and tissues present in it. The cells and tissues may undergo rapid multiplication that leads to the formation of tumors. The difficult situations might lead to blockage of the small intestine as well.
Causes
- Usually, the Genetic mutations in the cell are responsible for the multiplication of the cells and the formation of the tumor. the DNA undergoes changes and causes the cells to multiply. this is considered to be one of the primary reasons for developing small intestine cancer.
- If you are suffering from some genetic disorders like Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), The chances of developing small intestine cancer increase. Also, the risk is increased among men as compared to women.
- Intake of a high-fat diet, alcohol, and smoking serves as the risk factors for developing small intestine cancer. Being in the vicinity of chemicals like phenoxy acetic acid and large amounts also increases the risk of developing cancer.
- Conditions like Crohn’s syndrome, Colon cancer, or lymphedema also increase the risk.
Types of small intestine cancer
Adenocarcinomas
When cells present in the lining of the small intestine from tumors, it is termed adenocarcinoma. The primary experience is like polyp but later turns into a cancerous mass.
Sarcoma
In this case, the cancer cells develop in the soft tissue of the small intestine.
Carcinoid tumors
These tumors originate from the lower section of the small intestine and are slow-growing tumors. It can also affect the rectum or appendix.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
These tumors may or may not be cancerous in nature. Some of them also occur in the stomach, but the frequency of occurrence is rare.
Intestine lymphomas
As the name suggests, this type of cancer develops and the lymph nodes and is mostly observed in people suffering from immunodeficiency disorders.
Signs and Symptoms
- Usually, the person will feel cramps or pain in the stomach when dealing with small intestine cancer.
- Unintended weight loss also occurs.
- Blood in stools can be observed by the patient.
- The formation of the lump can be observed in the abdomen.
- Symptoms of Jaundice and yellowing of the eye can be observed.
- Skin flushing, watery diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, are also among some common symptoms.
Diagnosis
Physical examination
Initially, the doctors will perform a medical examination that will involve looking for any kind of lumps or swelling around the abdomen. The family history is also taken to understand the situation.
Imaging tests
Apart from this, several imaging tests like MRI, CT Scan, ultrasound, and PET help get detailed images of cells and tissues inside the small intestine.
Endoscopy
To get more clarity, the doctor can perform endoscopy, which involves inserting a thin tube through the nose or mouth to get detailed images or a sample of cells for analysis. The tube reaches up to the small intestine, and it helps to understand the functioning of the same.
Blood tests and surgeries
Blood tests are also done to know about the levels of various chemicals, hormones, and blood cells. Laparotomy is another major surgery that is performed to look for possible signs in the abdomen.
Side effects of such procedures
- The patients can experience long-term side effects like itchy and painful scarring. Even after the treatment has been performed successfully, there are chances of recurrence.
- Chemotherapy may lead to nausea, vomiting, tiredness, reduced red blood cell count, constipation, change in appetite, infection, and several others.
- Issues like swelling, pain, crusting, or bleeding may occur at the infected or operated site.
- Immunotherapy could lead to vomiting, nausea, joint aches, fatigue, chills, fever, dizziness, weakness, or headache.
- The patient may have to deal with digestive and reproductive issues as well.
Treatments
Chemotherapy
This process involves using specialized chemicals injected into the body to target the cancer cells and destroy them. The drugs can be taken either through an IV tube or mouth.
Radiotherapy
During radiotherapy, radiation in the form of X-rays or protons is used to aim at the tumor cells and destroy them as soon as possible. There could be a machine directed at your body passing radiation to kill the cancer cells, or a tiny device consisting of radiation can be placed inside the body for a defined period of time.
Surgery
Surgery is another treatment that is performed to remove the cancer-affected area. the tumor is removed along with some parts of the healthy surrounding tissues. often bypass surgery can also be performed to let the food pass around the tumor if it is not removable.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that strengthens the immune system of the body to help fight and attack cancer cells. Usually, the cancer cells blind the protein that helps the immune cells to identify infectious agents. immunotherapy deals with at and provides strength to the body.
Why chose Ayurveda?
Ayurveda aims to reduce the symptoms of the disease and eliminate the impurities from the body. It is beneficial in every aspect as the treatments included in ayurveda do not leave any kind of harmful effects on the body. With the help of ayurveda, the toxins are reduced in the body along with energy regeneration.
It works on every part of the body, makes digestion better, improves health at a better level, and reduces the levels of stress. It promotes harmony between life and the environment. It does not offer any consequences to the human body. All the elements used are beneficial in one way or the other. It incorporates yoga and meditation that helps restore energy in the body and rejuvenate.
Appropriate food habits and exercises are promoted to ensure good health. It is helpful in reducing the symptoms and signs of any disease or disorder. It focuses on cleansing the body through its extensive healing ways. It improves digestion, applies therapeutic measures, and builds confidence in an individual as well.