What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Small Intestine Cancer?

Small intestine cancer, also known as intestinal cancer, is a clinically common malignant disease. Many patients often discover it relatively late when symptoms of small intestine cancer appear. However, there are certain early signs and symptoms of small intestine cancer that can be observed. Understanding these symptoms can facilitate early detection and treatment. Let's explore the early symptoms and manifestations of small intestine cancer.

1. Abdominal Pain: This is often caused by ulceration on the surface of the tumor or spasmodic irritation. It can also be due to intestinal obstruction or intussusception. As the tumor grows and exceeds the lumen, it can lead to intestinal obstruction. Invasion of the intestinal wall by the tumor can also result in narrowing, obstruction, and other abnormal phenomena.

2. Gastrointestinal Bleeding: The onset of small intestine cancer is often concealed, and there are generally no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience nausea, dark stools, bloody stools, and weight loss. Nearly half of the patients experience bleeding in the digestive tract due to ulceration on the surface of the tumor, with dark stools being a typical symptom. However, if patients experience prolonged rectal bleeding, it can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia.

3. Abdominal Mass: Due to the extensive range of motion and variable location of the small intestine in daily life, patients may sometimes feel a mass in the abdomen and sometimes not. However, if the tumor is relatively large, it is usually palpable.

4. Systemic Symptoms: The presence of small intestine cancer can lead to anemia, weight loss, fatigue, and other systemic symptoms in patients. If the condition is allowed to progress, it can lead to complications such as intestinal perforation, chronic perforation, and fistulas, which can severely endanger life.

It is important to be aware of these early symptoms and manifestations of small intestine cancer for early detection and treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly for further evaluation and diagnosis.