National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma


Other Names:
Adenocarcinoma of small instestine; Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel; Adenocarcinoma of the small instestine; Adenocarcinoma of small instestine; Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel; Adenocarcinoma of the small instestine; Adenocarcinoma of Small Bowel; Small bowel adenocarcinoma See More
Categories:
Small intestine adenocarcinoma is one type of small bowel cancer, usually occurring in the duodenum or jejunum, that begins in the gland cells. The small intestine is part of the body’s digestive system, which also includes the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine.[1] The exact cause is still unknown, but it may be due to DNA changes in the small intestine adenocarcinoma cells.[2] The symptoms of small bowel tumors are often vague. The most common symptoms are pain in the belly (which may be the first symptom), weight loss, weakness, fatigue and low red blood cell counts (anemia).[3] The treatment and prognosis for small intestine cancer depends on its stage (tumor size and site) and the presence of metastases. For early stage cancer, surgery may be all that is needed. For more advanced cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required.[4]

Please visit the National Cancer Institute website for additional information:
Small Intestine Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Last updated: 8/15/2016

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.

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  1. Small Bowel Cancer - Overview. Cancer.Net. 2015; http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/small-bowel-cancer/overview.
  2. Do we know what causes small intestine adenocarcinoma?. American Cancer Society. 2014; http://www.cancer.org/cancer/smallintestinecancer/detailedguide/small-intestine-cancer-what-causes.
  3. Signs and symptoms of small intestine adenocarcinoma. American Cancer Society. 2014; http://www.cancer.org/cancer/smallintestinecancer/detailedguide/small-intestine-cancer-signs-symptoms.
  4. How is small intestine adenocarcinoma staged?. American Cancer Society. 2014; http://www.cancer.org/cancer/smallintestinecancer/detailedguide/small-intestine-cancer-staging.