Small intestine cancer, also known as small bowel cancer, is a rare cancer that forms in the tissues of the small intestine. The small intestine is part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract, sometimes referred to as the digestive tract, is a continuous tube extending from the mouth to the anus. It’s responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from food and eliminating waste products from the body.

The small intestine has three areas:

• Duodenum: The topmost section of the small intestine, about 30 centimeters long, is attached to the stomach. 
• Jejunum: The middle section of the small intestine, about 240 centimeters long, is below the duodenum. 
• Ileum: The final and longest section of the small intestine, about 350 centimeters long, is between the jejunum and the large intestine.

Small intestine cancer is most likely to form in the duodenum or the ileum.

At Penn Medicine, a large team of gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists focuses solely on treating gastrointestinal cancers like small intestine cancer. With our extensive expertise, we handle even the most complex cases, offering advanced therapies not commonly available in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional cancer care that always puts you at the center of everything we do.

There are five main types of small intestinal cancer:

• Adenocarcinomas start in glandular tissue cells 
• Carcinoid tumors originate in neuroendocrine cells 
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) develop in the GI tract 
• Lymphomas begin in the lymphocytes 
• Sarcomas form in connective tissues

Symptoms of small intestine cancer are different for everyone. Some people don’t experience any small intestinal cancer symptoms and the tumor is found when testing for other health conditions. Others may experience the following:

• Pain or cramping in your abdomen 
• Unintended weight loss 
• Blood in your stool 
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Fatigue 
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes 
• A lump in your abdomen

Small intestine cancer typically develops from genetic mutations in the cells of the small intestine. These mutations can result from a combination of factors, including a genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. Understanding these causes, recognizing risk factors, and taking preventive measures can help give you the best results.

Not all small intestine cancers act similarly. At Penn Medicine, expert care starts with a precise diagnosis. Our specialists are skilled at detecting the signs of small intestine cancer. Specialized tests help our doctors understand how cancer cells may behave or impact your health, which informs our treatment recommendations.

We use advanced genetic and molecular tests when deciding which treatment approach is right for you. Teams of specialists work side-by-side, reviewing your test results and analyzing treatment options. You can be sure you’ll get the treatment plan that will give you the best outcome.

Our doctors have completed in-depth fellowship training in the complexities of diagnosing and treating small intestine cancers. Many of our surgeons are leaders in GI cancer care, performing sophisticated surgeries to remove hard-to-treat tumors.

In addition, you’ll work one-on-one with a nurse navigator, who will help you make appointments and provide support when you need it. We offer a full spectrum of resources, including counseling and meditation classes, to help you feel your best while undergoing treatment.