ABSTRACT
Neoplasms affecting the small intestine include primary benign tumors, primary malignant tumors, and secondary tumors. The most common histological types of primary small intestine cancer are adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor (NET), lymphoma, and sarcoma. The principal symptom of small intestine cancer is chronic intermittent cramp-like abdominal pain, often with nausea and vomiting, melena, diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia, and unexplained weight loss. If small intestine cancer is suspected, a thorough history should be obtained and screening for fecal occult blood undertaken. Barium small intestine follow-through may reveal masses or intussusception and can visualize the lumen and mucosa. Staging of small intestine adenocarcinoma depends on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis according to the tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) system. Treatment for small intestine cancer depends on the type, site, and stage of tumor and includes surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and radiotherapy. Prognosis for patients with small intestine adenocarcinomas is generally poor.
