Penn Medicine: Experts in treating small intestine cancer
Small intestine cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the tissues of the small intestine. This segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a vital role in digesting and absorbing nutrients from food and eliminating waste from the body. Effective treatment of small intestine cancer requires specialized care to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Penn Medicine’s GI specialists successfully treat a high volume of small intestine cancers compared to other centers in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions—with consistently excellent results. We gather a team of gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to weigh in on individual cases. We review your case and discuss the best treatment options for your specific situation.
Small intestine cancer treatment at Penn Medicine
Small intestine cancer cells often have unique characteristics and can act in unpredictable ways. Our experts perform advanced genetic and molecular tests to determine the right small intestine tumor treatment plan for you. Your care team may recommend one or more of the following small intestine cancer treatments.
Support services for small intestine cancer
Your Penn Medicine care team is dedicated to providing support and guiding you through every stage—from understanding your disease and managing treatment options to recovery and receiving the emotional care you need. We offer a wide variety of programs and services to help you and your loved ones manage the physical and emotional effects of a gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis.
Our spectrum of supportive therapies for cancer—from nutrition classes to financial counseling—tend to the wide-ranging impacts cancer can have on your life. Services include:
- Counseling for patients and families
- Home care services
- Hospice care
- Nutritional counseling
- Palliative care
- Patient education
- Stress management
- Support groups
- Pet therapy
Why choose Penn Medicine for small intestine cancer treatment?
Small intestine cancer is rare. Partnering with our specialists ensures you’ll get the most advanced and up-to-date treatments to give you the best results.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Complete cancer care: The most effective cancer care takes a team effort. Whenever possible, we schedule appointments so you can meet with multiple doctors, like surgeons, medical oncologists, and other specialists, on the same day to save you time.
- Compassionate support: Our specially trained GI oncology nurse navigators explain the treatment process and what’s ahead. Working with you on everything from nutrition, pain management, mental health, and financial issues, they provide resources to enhance your overall quality of life.
- Additional options for advanced cancers: Our vast resources give you access to today’s leading cancer treatments. We’re one of few centers in the country to treat some advanced GI cancers using proton therapy. Our research program strives to offer clinical trial options for people with all types of small intestine cancer, including metastatic duodenal cancer.
- Proactive follow-up plans: We schedule periodic tests and check-ups to help us detect a recurrence of cancer early. We can also help you manage any long-term side effects caused by cancer treatment, so you can enjoy the fullest quality of life.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.