Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Duodenal Cancer?

M. DePietro
M. DePietro

Duodenal cancer is cancer that starts in the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. It may also be referred to as small bowel cancer and is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer. Gastrointestinal cancer can develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal track, including the stomach, esophagus, and small bowel.

Although duodenal cancer is considered rare, there are certain risk factors associated with developing this cancer. People who have celiac disease or Crohn’s disease are at increased risk. Having colonic polyps also increases the chances of developing duodenal cancer. Eating a diet high in fat is also a risk factor.

Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat duodenal cancer.
Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat duodenal cancer.

Symptoms may include stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some people can feel a lump in the abdomen. Duodenal cancer interferes with digestion, and heartburn and acid reflux may develop. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal track may also develop, resulting in bloody stools. Fatigue is also a common symptom, especially as the cancer progresses.

Most duodenal cancers are adenocarcinomas. Other tumor types are carcinoid and sarcomas. Although carcinoid and sarcomas can develop in the duodenum, they are more common in other parts of the small intestine.

A CT scan may also be recommended in order to diagnose duodenal cancer.
A CT scan may also be recommended in order to diagnose duodenal cancer.

Because many of the symptoms are similar to other types of gastrointestinal diseases, various medical tests may be needed to make a diagnosis. A physical exam is performed to check for lumps in the abdomen. A stool sample may be recommended to check for blood in the stool.

Additional tests that may be recommended include a CT scan or x-ray of the abdomen. A barium enema may be done, which involves putting a liquid form of barium into the rectum. The barium coats the intestines and this allows for the intestines to viewed by an x-ray. A liver function test, which measures substance released by the liver, can also be used to help make a diagnosis.

Duodenal cancer starts in the first part of ths small intestine.
Duodenal cancer starts in the first part of ths small intestine.

Treatment for duodenal cancer often includes chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy. The type of treatment will depend on the age of the patient, stage of the cancer, and other health conditions that may be present. Surgery may be an option in some cases.

When surgery does occur, a method known as the Whipple procedure may be performed. During a Whipple, the duodenum is removed along with a part of the stomach. The stomach and pancreas are than attached to a different section of the small intestine called the jejunum. This is considered a major surgery and may not be recommended in all cases.

Discussion Comments

andee

There is a lot that can be done for most cancers if they are caught early enough. That is why it is so important to see a doctor as soon as you notice abnormal symptoms that don't go away.

When my father noticed some blood in his stool, he had it checked out right away, and was diagnosed with colon cancer. Because this was in the early stages, they were able to do surgery and he has not had any more cancer and that has been 25 years ago.

He has to have frequent check ups done, and my siblings and I have to make sure we get tested at an earlier age than most, but it made a big difference for him because it was caught early.

honeybees

I know that any type of cancer is not good, but if someone is diagnosed with duodenal cancer, you can count on an uphill battle.

In the last year I have known two people who were diagnosed with this and it has been quite a struggle. Sometimes duodenal cancer will spread to the pancreas or colon which can further complicate things.

After seeing the effects something like this has on someones life, it makes me much more aware of what I eat, and I am trying harder to make healthy choices when it comes to my diet and exercise.

John57

While duodenal cancer is rare and you don't hear as much about it as other cancer types, there are more reported cases of it than there used to be.

Anytime you are having symptoms that are affecting your small intestines, this is one of the things that they will check for if they have ruled out other problems.

When my mother was having some abdominal pain and they were running several tests, duodenal cancer is one of the things that was discussed. Thankfully this is not what her problem was, but it can sure make you stop and think more about what might cause something like that.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat duodenal cancer.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat duodenal cancer.
    • A CT scan may also be recommended in order to diagnose duodenal cancer.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A CT scan may also be recommended in order to diagnose duodenal cancer.
    • Duodenal cancer starts in the first part of ths small intestine.
      By: nerthuz
      Duodenal cancer starts in the first part of ths small intestine.
    • Stool samples that are collected at home are usually placed into plastic containers.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      Stool samples that are collected at home are usually placed into plastic containers.
    • Gastric reflux may be a symptom of duodenal cancer.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Gastric reflux may be a symptom of duodenal cancer.
    • Stomach pain, vomiting and weight loss are symptoms of duodenal cancer.
      By: inesbazdar
      Stomach pain, vomiting and weight loss are symptoms of duodenal cancer.
    • Duodenal cancer is considered a rare form of cancer.
      By: acherst
      Duodenal cancer is considered a rare form of cancer.