Small intestine cancer refers to a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of your small intestine, the part of the digestive system that connects the stomach to your large intestine. While small intestine cancer is rare, it is important to understand the causes and treatment options available for this disease. Below, a cancer surgeon in Kolkata has discussed them.

Causes of Intestinal Cancer

The exact cause of small intestine cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

  1. Age: Small intestine cancer occurs more commonly in older adults, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 50.
  2. Gender: Men are more likely to develop small intestine cancer than women.
  3. Medical history: Certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), have been linked to an increased risk of small intestine cancer.
  4. Family history: People with a family history of small intestine cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
  5. Radiation exposure: People who have received radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis may have an increased risk of developing small intestine cancer.

Treatment

According to the best cancer doctor in Kolkata, the treatment of small intestine cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:

  • Surgery: The most common treatment for small intestine cancer is surgery, which involves removing the cancerous tissue and any nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, a portion of the small intestine may need to be removed.
  • Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may be used prior to or after surgery or in combination with chemotherapy.
  • Chemotherapy: It uses drugs to kill cancerous cells. It might be given before or after surgery or in combination with radiation therapy.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells without harming healthy cells. This therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy.

The causes and treatments of small intestine cancer have been discussed above in depth. If you have any of the aforementioned risk factors, it’s advisable to get a consultation with the best cancer doctor in Kolkata.