Duodenal carcinomas
Duodenal carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. It accounts for less than 0.5% of gastrointestinal cancers and is primarily characterized by adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype. Risk factors include conditions such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and a diet high in fats or processed foods. Symptoms may manifest as abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and blood in stools, among others, often leading to delays in diagnosis due to their nonspecific nature.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, medical history assessments, and imaging studies such as X-rays and ultrasounds. Treatment usually involves surgery, although the complex location of the duodenum can pose challenges. Other approaches, like radiation therapy and targeted therapies, may also be utilized, especially if the cancer has spread. Regular monitoring post-treatment is crucial, as early detection significantly improves outcomes, with a potential five-year survival rate of up to 86% when diagnosed in initial stages. Understanding these aspects can help individuals recognize the importance of seeking medical advice for related symptoms.
Subject Terms
Duodenal carcinomas
ALSO KNOWN AS: Small intestine cancer
RELATED CONDITIONS: Crohn's disease, celiac disease, colon polyps
DEFINITION: Duodenal carcinoma is a cancer of the duodenum, the first (upper) part of the small intestine.
Risk factors: Risk factors include Crohn's disease, celiac disease, (FAP), exposure to radiation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a diet high in fats or high in salted, pickled, or smoked foods.
Etiology and the disease process: Genetic disposition, environmental exposures, and lifestyle are all potential root causes of duodenal carcinoma. The duodenum is the first part of the small bowel exposed to ingested chemicals that may be carcinogenic and pancreatic juices that may also be carcinogens. There are five types of small intestine cancers (adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and lymphoma). The most common type of duodenal carcinoma is adenocarcinoma.
Incidence: Duodenal carcinoma is a relatively rare cancer that makes up less than 0.5 percent of gastrointestinal cancers.
Symptoms: The symptoms of duodenal carcinoma may include abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, cramping, blood in stools, and, less commonly, anemia and jaundice.
Screening and diagnosis: There may be a considerable amount of time between the identification of nonspecific symptoms (such as abdominal pain and bloating) and the diagnosis of duodenal carcinoma. A physical exam, medical history, X-rays of the abdomen, abdominal ultrasound, a barium contrast study, and an upper gastrointestinal series may be used in the diagnosis. Small intestine adenocarcinomas are staged beginning with adenocarcinoma in situ, Stage I (the cancer remains localized in the duodendum), Stage II (the cancer has invaded the connective tissue or muscular layer of the bowel, as well as the lymph nodes), Stage III (the cancer has spread to other parts of the bowel or nearby organs), and Stage IV (the cancer has spread to distant organs).
Treatment and therapy: Advances in diagnostic imaging have improved the ability of doctors to determine if a patient is suffering from duodenal carcinoma or another condition. Surgery is the usual treatment, but surgical removal of a duodenal tumor can be difficult because of the area in which it is located. Surgery to bypass the area of the tumor (connecting the stomach to an area of the intestine beyond the mass) is sometimes necessary. and radiation therapy are sometimes used to try to shrink the cancer or if the cancer has spread. Image-guided radiation has enabled doctors to deliver radiation to the tumor without affecting other nearby organs. Targeted therapies have also aided in the treatment of duodenal carcinomas.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: Individuals with duodenal carcinoma should be monitored after treatment for signs and symptoms of recurrence and should have abdominal computed (CT) scans every six months. The five-year survival rate for duodenal cancers, when caught in early stages, can be up to 86 percent.
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Martins, Kris. “What Is Duodenal Cancer?” WebMD, 16 June 2022, www.webmd.com/cancer/cancer-duodenal-overview. Accessed 18 June 2024.
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